- The star running back and the team from New York ended their contract.
- There was no interest from other teams in making a trade, which forced the Jets to release the player.
- Bell was unhappy for quite some time, but he also underachieved when playing.
- Several teams are mentioned as potential new destinations for the three-time All-Pro.
Jets Terminate Bell’s deal
Once coming to New York, one of the best running backs in the league in that period was welcomed as a game-changer and someone who would make the Jets competitive again. With the new and young QB who was the third pick at the draft, Sam Darnold, and arguably the best safety in the league, Jamal Adams, head coach Adam Gase had plenty of potential at disposal.
Fast forward to years, Adams is no longer in NY, Darnold is benched, the Jets have opened the season with a 0-5 record, and Bell to won’t be a part of the franchise anymore.
“After having conversations with Le’Veon and his agent and exploring potential trade options over the past couple of days, we have made the decision to release Le’Veon,” the team said in a statement. “We believe this decision is in the best interests of both parties and wish him future success.”
The Jets tried to trade Bell, with their efforts for that starting right after this weekend’s game against the Arizona Cardinals. However, there wasn’t any interest in the market.
Apparently, the biggest problem was an $8 million injury guarantee in 2021, as no team was willing to accept that clause.
Bell averaged 3.2 yards per carry last year, was very unhappy with the way head coach Adam Gase used his potential, while on the other hand, Gase wasn’t thrilled with Bell right since his arrival. Allegedly, Jets’ HC was against giving the RB a $52.5 million four-year deal.
Bell’s Future an Enigma
The three-time Pro Bowl and All-Pro rusher is an interesting figure on the market now. However, after sitting the entire 2018, and having a subpar 2019 season, his stocks significantly dropped compared to three years ago.
He had 245 snaps for 789 yards and three TD in his first year as a Jet, and also 66 receptions for 461 yards. That was way below the level of efficiency he had in his last season in Pittsburgh when Bell yielded 1,946 yards from the scrimmage and 11 TDs.
The hot temper and the disagreements with the Steelers’ management were the reason for his holdout during the entire 2018 campaign, as he didn’t want to play under a franchise tag.
The Steelers are now of the teams mentioned as the possible next destination for Bell. Among other names, a few stand out – Chicago Bears, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Kansas City Chiefs.
All of them have high ambitions this year, and would benefit massively from having a running back of Bell’s caliber on their roster. The question is, what are the player’s intentions, and does he have enough motive and patience to put the team’s goals in front of his personal.
