An analyst based in New York City, Ryan Hoadley has worked in the financial industry for more than a decade. In his leisure time, Ryan Hoadley supports Pittsburgh’s professional teams, including the Steelers.
The Steelers have taken steps to keep two valuable players, Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell.
In the summer of 2016, management promised Brown it would support him as he neared the last year of his six-year contract. In February 2017, general manager Kevin Colbert announced a new five-year deal for Brown, worth over $72 million. The frequent All-Pro wide receiver thus became one of the highest-paid non-quarterbacks in the NFL.
Brown is one of only two players to catch 100-plus passes in four consecutive seasons. In 2016, he contributed 1,284 passing yards and 12 touchdowns, prior to the Steelers’ 2017 Super Bowl appearance.
Also having a stellar season, running back Bell was the first NFL player to average more than 100 yards rushing and 50 yards receiving per game. Bell also led the league in yards from scrimmage in 2016.
He could have become a free agent, but the team retained him by using an exclusive rights franchise tag, a one-year offer that binds him to the team while a new contract is prepared. If negotiations fail, Bell will earn the average of the league’s top five running backs in 2017.