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Oakland Raiders: 5 running backs to target in 2018 free agency

By John Buhler

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: Carlos Hyde No. 28 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks a tackle by Samson Ebukam No. 50 of the Los Angeles Rams during the first half of a game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: Carlos Hyde No. 28 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks a tackle by Samson Ebukam No. 50 of the Los Angeles Rams during the first half of a game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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2. player. 55. . RB. Pittsburgh Steelers. Le'Veon Bell

The crown jewel of 2018 NFL free agency has to be Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell. After five years with the Steelers, Bell has grown frustrated with how the Steelers are handling his contract situation. He has already been franchise tagged and is reluctant to playing under the tag in 2018. Could this lead to him leaving the Steel City for Bay Area?

Keep in mind that the Steelers have moved on from former offensive coordinator Todd Haley this offseason. He now works for the AFC North division rival Cleveland Browns. The Steelers offense hasn’t been as menacing since the franchise’s heyday in the 1970s with Terry Bradshaw under center.

Bell is easily the most productive back in football, as he is elite in both carrying the rock and catching it out of the backfield. Should he keep this up into his late 20s, Bell might be destined for Canton. However, injuries, off-field issues and contract issues could derail his time with the Steelers after only five years.

Yes, the Raiders will have to pay out the wazoo to even hope to sign Bell. That being said, he does feel like a guy that would love to play for the Raiders and Jon Gruden. He’d still get to run behind a top-five offensive line in Oakland and get to take snaps from a Pro Bowl quarterback. Bell will be paid handsomely if he leaves Pittsburgh in free agency. How much coin is Raiders owner Mark Davis willing to pay?

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