Steelers' Le'Veon Bell Takes Direct Shot At Kevin Colbert For 2018 Contract Drama

The Pittsburgh Steelers are getting prepared to build for the future during the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. While the franchise has had a hectic offseason so far, things have calmed down a bit before the draft. The organization has made several free agent signings, including Rico Dowdle at running back to replace the departed Kenneth Gainwell. Former Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell was on the Get Got Pod with Marshawn Lynch and Michael Robinson this past week and provided some answers behind his 2018 holdout. While Bell mentioned that he did not regret it, he did provide insight as to why it happened.

While Bell has previously released multiple rap albums under the stage name "Juice", he has also shifted his career path into the boxing world. Bell certainly has found a way to monetize his name beyond the gridiron. However, it appears that his 2018 holdout was not entirely on him and his demand for money.

"Like so I don't regret it," Bell said. "I just wish I definitely wish it played out different. I think if at the time the Steelers GM right now, Omar Khan if he was the Steelers GM then in 2018 when that was all happening in 2017, I think we get a deal done. [Kevin] Colbert and my agent had history like back then before they even I even got to come up for a contract. They already had like some type of history back then and they already had like some type of dispute, bro."

Given these comments on the situation, it appears that Bell's agent at the time, Adisa Bakari, had some sort of bad blood history with former Pittsburgh General Manager Kevin Colbert. 

Bell's diplomatic and vague response of generally mentioning some type of dispute still leaves some questions on the table such as what prior dispute had happened between Bakari and Colbert. However, this provides some more clarity as to why Bell would never play another snap for the Black and Gold.

Bell was a dynamic, patient runner in his time in the NFL. His patient style made for some explosive runs given how he could pop into holes and pop back out if defenses would collapse. His running style made it hard for opposing teams to defend on top of his dynamic playmaking ability as a pass catcher out of the backfield.

Steelers Appear To Be In Better Hands With Omar Khan 

Given Bell's comments about him thinking a deal could have been worked out had the organization been run by current general manager Omar Khan, they seem to be in better hands with Khan instead of Colbert. Khan has done a great job this offseason, quickly filling holes on the roster ahead of the 2026 season, and has been given high praise for acting quickly with the acquisitions the team has made. 

While Bell did not disclose what the prior dispute was about between Colbert and his agent at the time, the Khan reference reveals enough to read between the lines and know the organization is now better off with Khan. Another thing worth noting with Bell's comments is that the team really has not seen a contract dispute and holdout situation like Bell's since it happened. 

While veteran defensive lineman Cam Heyward did receive a raise before the 2025 NFL season, there was never any deep concerns of a holdout such as the situation that played out with Bell in 2018. The organization has done a great job of compensating those who have been loyal to them when these situations arise.

It would be in the best interest of the organization to continue operating in good faith like they have since that 2018 holdout. While Bell may not regret it, he was a huge asset to those Pittsburgh teams back then. We will never know what could have been had things not fallen apart with Bell, but his comments now provide a lot more clarity on the situation.

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