You're going to. My feelings about Laveon Bell are confusing. It's a rare thing that I sit in front of this microphone utterly perplexed, unable to formulate a concrete sports opinion about a player or a situation,

but that's what's happening with me and Lavian Bell's impending free agency. He wants a long-term extension because he deserves it.

The Pittsburgh Steelers do not want to sign Laveon Bell to a long-term extension because they

believe a long-term extension does not represent

value at the position and I agree with that too. Both parties are right and when I perceive

a conundrum this deep I can't help but think that a

holdout is imminent it has to be because Leavian Bell is the best running back in the

National Football League no best running back in the National Football League.

No other running back has his resume.

Three of the last four seasons, he has 75 or more receptions

to go along with at least 1,200 yards rushing each season.

He had 1,200 yards in 12 games in 2016.

No other running back is as deadly efficient in all phases as Labaveon Bell.

He deserves to be the highest paid running back

and he deserves a long-term contract that protects him in the event

that he experiences a catastrophic injury that would threaten his future earnings.

But the likelihood of an injury that throttles his ability to perform at the highest level is the very reason why the

Pittsburgh Steelers can't justify signing him to a lucrative extension.

I mean this is the ultimate catch-22 in sports. I find Laveon Bell's contract situation

exceedingly fascinating because of this catch-22. For all the reasons Laveon Bell

wants a long-term extension, the Pittsburgh Steelers do not want to give him an extension.

And he's saying, fine, fine, don't sign me to an extension. I'll sit out. In fact, I might retire.

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