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The speculation surrounding where Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell takes his next snaps probably won't end until his holdout situation is resolved. The dynamic offensive weapon has already missed Week 1 of the regular season and shown that he is serious about securing a long-term deal.
Right now, the Steelers seem content in moving forward with second-year running back James Conner, who rushed for 135 yards with two touchdowns during Sunday's tie-ending game against the Cleveland Browns. However, what if two-thirds into the season, Pittsburgh's 2018 campaign isn't unfolding as it hoped? Does Bell then have more value finishing out a lost season for the Steelers or is he worth more as a tradable commodity?
Will Cain of ESPN Radio's "The Will Cain Show" asked that question this week. He identified two teams primed to win now where a trade makes sense — the San Francisco 49ers and the Green Bay Packers.
It is important to note that Cain believed Green Bay going all in for Bell made the most sense, but he had the following to say about a potential Bell-to-49ers scenario.
"The San Francisco 49ers have $60 million in cap space next year," Cain explained. "They wouldn't be able to negotiate an extension until the new league [year] starts. But they have a quarterback in Jimmy Garoppolo that's in a different class than Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold. They have a guy that they're not on a two-, three-, five-year plan with Jimmy Garoppolo. This is a guy who's older and ready by all accounts to start winning now. And he's also a guy completely bereft of offensive weapons.
"The offensive line (in) San Francisco is not good, but it's not New York Jets bad. And right now, he's running out Alfred Morris and Matt Breida behind Jimmy Garoppolo. The idea of Le'Veon Bell in San Francisco makes sense to me. How much would that help to win now over the next year to two years with Jimmy Garoppolo?"
The 49ers spent big in March to acquire former Minnesota Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon. He was placed on season-ending injured reserve on September 3 with a torn ACL, leaving San Francisco with Alfred Morris and Matt Breida carrying the load at running back. The two combined for 84 yards against the Vikings on Sunday in the 49ers' 24-16 loss.
Why ESPN analyst hopes 49ers address O-line in the draft
By David Bonilla
Apr 9
ESPN analyst Matt Miller watches the San Francisco 49ers differently than other teams. As a 49ers fan, he feels more invested in the team's successes and failures than most analysts.
With the draft nearing, Miller made it clear which direction he believes head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch should take with their first pick. In his ESPN mock draft, a seven-round doozy, the analyst had the 49ers selecting former Arizona offensive lineman Jordan Morgan.
Miller recently joined the 49ers Webzone "No Huddle" podcast, sharing why he adamantly hopes the team addresses the offensive line at the end of the month.
"So I
No Huddle Podcast: 49ers Draft Plans With ESPN's Matt Miller
By Site Staff
Apr 10
(Episode 329) — Al Sacco is joined by ESPN NFL draft analyst and insider Matt Miller to discuss the best prospect fits for the 49ers, his connection to the 49ers, how the 49ers improve their receiver corp, the state of QB play in the NFL, and more.
The audio for the show is embedded above. Remember to subscribe!
You can watch the interview below.
You can listen to the latest "No Huddle Podcast"
ESPN analyst on Brandon Aiyuk: 49ers shouldn't pay two receivers top dollar
By David Bonilla
Apr 9
ESPN analyst Matt Miller understands the perspective of San Francisco 49ers fans. After all, he has been a fan of the team since he was a kid. Seeing any of your favorite players leave and put on another uniform is tough.
It's also difficult to pay everyone, and Miller knows that. It's not a formula for successful roster building, including paying two wide receivers top dollar.
The 49ers are trying to negotiate a contract extension with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. The team invested heavily in another receiver, Deebo Samuel, just two years ago. Is allowing each of them to consume a significant chunk of the salary cap feasible for a team that hopes to continue being competitive and win Super Bowls?
"I have to separate the fan part of my brain, who
ESPN analyst weighs in on 49ers potentially drafting a wide receiver
By David Bonilla
Apr 10
The San Francisco 49ers will likely add a rookie wide receiver via the draft, and it has nothing to do with Brandon Aiyuk's current contract situation. Deebo Samuel is about as physical a player as you'll find at the position, so wear and tear, along with his significant salary, has to be a concern. Jauan Jennings is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next year.
The 49ers have tried to address the position recently, drafting Ronnie Bell in the seventh round last year and Danny Gray in the third round in 2022. While it's too early to judge Bell, Gray has played only 87 offensive snaps as a pro. His career stat line is unimpressive, recording only one reception for 10 yards on seven targets.
One ESPN analyst and 49ers fan, Matt Miller, admits to being
