Sherman glad Bell refused to be 'bullied into a fluffed up' contract
Without fully guaranteed salaries, NFL contracts can be a misconceiving mess. Richard Sherman wants you to know that.
After Le'Veon Bell reportedly turned down a five-year deal worth $42 million over the first three years, Sherman applauded the Pittsburgh Steelers running back for making a stand for better value Tuesday night.
Happy to see @L_Bell26 not be bullied into a fluffed up "Long Term" deal. Maybe fans will start to hold the teams accountable.
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) July 19, 2017
Bell has opted to play on his one-year, fully guaranteed $12.12-million franchise tag in 2017 instead of the deal reportedly offered by the Steelers. He said Monday he is willing to do what it takes to raise the running back market and help his fellow NFLers make what they deserve.
Related: Le'Veon Bell wants to take it upon himself to raise RB market
Sherman lauded Bell for having the courage and intelligence to not accept a contract that would tie him to the Steelers for five years, but only guarantee his salary for three, at best. The reports did not mention how much guaranteed money Bell would receive, making the claim that the contract would be worth $42 million over three years a tad misleading.
1year of guarantees is exactly what he has with the franchise tag so why would he take the deal and give them leverage and have no security?
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) July 19, 2017
The Seattle Seahawks cornerback has been a leader in discussions for NFL players to earn better contracts, recently advising his fellow pros to prepare to strike to receive the salaries they deserve.
The Washington Redskins recently tried a similar tactic with franchise-tagged Kirk Cousins, releasing a statement that they offered the quarterback $53 million guaranteed, though he actually had leverage to make that money without a new deal.