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Le’Veon Bell and the New York Jets have severed their ties. One year removed from agreeing a 4-year $52.5 million contract; it’s just the latest saga under Adam Gase’s reign that has sent this franchise spiralling into near disaster.
It appeared from day one the relationship between Bell and Gase was doomed to fail. Whether it was a twitter spat or snarky comments to the media, the spotlight never drifted too far from the pair.
Now that Bell has been cut loose, Gang Green are left with the ageless Frank Gore and rookie La’Mical Perine to lead their backfield. Meanwhile, there will be no shortage of potential suitors for the now former Jets RB.
Kansas City Chiefs
Ever since Super Bowl LIV hero Damien Williams opted out of the 2020 season, the Chiefs have needed something extra at the running back position. Whilst rookie Clyde Edwards-Helaire has shown promise at times, he could certainly benefit from an experienced pair of hands alongside him.
Prior to the 2020 NFL Draft, KC were under no illusions that an upgrade at RB was needed, hence the selection of CEH at #32. So now with the aforementioned Williams out of the picture for the 2020 season and perhaps beyond, a move for Le’Veon Bell makes perfect sense.
Going to a Super Bowl contender would be highly enticing for Bell. After he chased money instead of honours and winding up with the Jets, perhaps his agenda will turn to chasing that elusive ring with the Chiefs.
New England Patriots
A superstar name on the free agent market, it’s natural to believe the Patriots will be in the mix. This is a team that loves spinning the roulette wheel with it’s running back deployment; making a move for Le’Veon Bell would mean the Pats are mixing at the high stake tables.
It’s possible there will be some feeling of trepidation in Foxboro however. The most recent all-star former Steelers player to sign with the team, namely Antonio Brown, was a cause of substantial embarrassment for the franchise.
Of course, Bell carries nowhere near the amount of baggage that Brown did, nonetheless his often public outbursts will not be looked upon too kindly by the Patriots top brass.
If signing for a blue-chip franchise is not enough motivation for Bell, the prospect of playing two games against the Jets would surely put the fire in his belly. Ultimately though, it will take a lot for the Pats to roll the dice again here.
Philadelphia Eagles
Even without playing their best ball, the Eagles are in the pound seat to secure the NFC East title. Carson Wentz is beginning to feel the heat at quarterback, not helped by the lack of consistent passing weapons.
Current RB1 Miles Sanders has been helping to plug the receiving hole, this is something that Le’Veon Bell could potentially assist with too.
A true backup RB is also missing in Philly. Not that Bell would be willing accept a backup role, but him and Sanders would make for a true 1-2 punch backfield. Match this dynamic with their receiving capabilities, it would make for a more potent offence.
Chicago Bears
With most of the league scratching their heads figuring out how the Bears are currently 4-1 on the year, they would be wise to strike whilst the iron is hot. This has been achieved despite a depleted running back room.
David Montgomery is the only true RB on the roster who has taken meaningful NFL snaps. Currently it’s Cordarrelle Patterson filling in as the backup RB, but in reality he is best placed as a jet sweep or a trick play guy.
It’s fair to say the Bears will start to miss Tarik Cohen, who is out for the year, down the stretch. If the team is going to be serious about making a playoff run, they need to re-tool at RB. Rolling with Montgomery, Bell and an occasional Patterson would tire out opposing defences and allow the Bears to open up their playbook.
Pittsburgh Steelers
It couldn’t happen…could it? The more thought that goes into this potential reunion, the more it starts to make sense. Despite the previous contract dispute and Bell making no secret of his anger of being branded with the franchise tag, this could all easily be forgotten if it meant for success on the field.
The offensive scheme used in Pittsburgh is one that Bell knows well and certainly one that plays to his strengths. Mismatches aplenty will be crafted. With current starter James Conner out of contract at season end, it would be prudent of the Steelers to assess their options now.
No doubt it will be a dogfight to come out on top in the AFC North this season. Bringing the band back together may just give the Steelers their best shot.
