Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell Packers Oren Burks Jersey , Detroit Lions defensive end Ezekiel Ansah, Los Angeles Rams safety Lamarcus Joyner and Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence all failed to sign long-term extensions with their respective teams, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.No deal for Steelers and RB Le'Veon Bell.No deal for Cowboys and DeMarcus Lawrence.No deal for Lions and Ziggy Ansah.No deal for Rams and Lamarcus Joyner.A dud of a deadline day.But the Free Agent Class of 2019 just got stronger.— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 16, 2018Barring any significant changes in contract negotiations after the 2018 season, these four superstars will headline a stacked 2019 free agent class. All four are among the best in their respective positions, and they'll each receive massive paydays next March in free agency.Le'Veon Bell - widely regarded as the best running back in the NFL - will now have to play 2018 under the $14.3 million franchise tag. Both the three-time Pro Bowler and GM Kevin Colbert voiced聽disappointment in the inability to reach a long-term contract.Statement from GM Kevin Colbert on Le鈥橵eon Bell: pic.twitter.com/APTMajqdbF— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) July 16, 2018to all my Steeler fans Authentic Saquon Barkley Jersey , my desire always has been to retire a Steeler...both sides worked extremely hard today to make that happen, but the NFL is a hard business at times...to the fans that had hope, I鈥檓 sorry we let youu down but trust me, 2018 will be my best season to date...— Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell) July 16, 2018Bell rushed for over 1,000 yards and racked up over 600 receiving yards in the 2014, 2016 and 2017 seasons. But the Steelers have a long history of being tough in long-term negotiations with their superstars Youth Donte Jackson Jersey , and they're taking a risk in not rewarding one of their top players with a long-term deal. At this point, it's hard to envision Bell coming back to the Steel City after next season. Ansah will play under the $17.5 million franchise tag, and stands to be one of the most coveted free agents next year. He had 14.5 sacks in 2015 and racked up 12 in 2017. Pass-rushers of his caliber don't come around often, so Ansah can be ready for a whopping amount of cash next year.As for Lawrence, he'll play under the $17.143 million tag and will also stand to make lots of money next offseason. He's coming off a breakout year for the Cowboys, having posted 14.5 sacks and four forced fumbles.Joyner - one of the top safeties in the game - earned a 90.3 rating from Pro Football Focus last year. With only so many safeties of his caliber around, Joyner could break a record for biggest contract for the position.
A look at what’s happening around the majors Thursday:

MIDSUMMER SKID

The Nationals open a series against Miami hoping to end a five-game skid and get back to .500. Washington fell to 42-43 with a loss to Boston on Wednesday Youth Trent Murphy Jersey , the first time the preseason NL East favorites have been under .500 this late in the year since being 60-61 on Aug. 21, 2015. The Nationals held a players’ only meeting after a 3-0 loss to the Red Sox highlighted by Adam Eaton’s throwing error and a wild pitch from Ryan Madson. Jeremy Hellickson (2-1, 2.63) makes his second start since returning from the DL, while Marlins righty Pablo Lopez (1-0, 3.00) makes his second MLB start.

NOT VERY VERLANDER

Justin Verlander (9-4, 2.12) tries to stop a personal slide when the Astros open a series against the White Sox. Verlander has allowed nine runs in 11 2/3 innings over his past two starts, taking losses to Toronto (four runs) and Tampa Bay (five runs). Verlander hasn’t allowed four or more earned runs in three straight starts since June 2014 while with Detroit. Carlos Rodon (1-3 Mike Remmers Color Rush Jersey , 4.55) is up for Chicago.

CUETO’S BACK

Johnny Cueto is expected to be reinstated from the disabled list and pitch when the Giants open a four-game series against the Cardinals. Cueto was placed on the disabled list May 1 with inflammation in his right elbow. A few days later, he visited Dr. James Andrews, who diagnosed him with a strained elbow. Cueto is 3-0 with a 0.84 ERA in five starts this season. The Giants are 41-21 in his starts since he joined the team in 2016.

PITCHING IN

Angels rookie Jaime Barria will start against AL West-leading Seattle in place of Tyler Skaggs a day after the left-hander went on the DL with a thigh strain. Barria is making his 12th start of the season and has given up two earned runs or fewer in four of his last five starts. Lefty Marco Gonzales (8-5, 3.77) makes his first start since pitching the first complete game of his career in a 4-1 win over Kansas City.

DOUBLE TROUBLE

Joe Mauer needs one double to give him 415 in his career, which would break a tie with Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett for the Twins’ franchise record. Minnesota has lost six straight and returns home from a 1-8 trip to play Baltimore, which has the worst record in the majors at 24-61. More good news for the scuffling Twins: Two-time All-Star Ervin Santana (right middle finger surgery) is scheduled to make his next rehab appearance for Class A Fort Myers.

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