Le’Veon Bell Just Lost a Potential Landing Spot
Le’Veon Bell has seen his brief tenure with the New York Jets come to an abrupt end in his second year. It has put Bell in the free-agent market, giving him full control to pursuing his next NFL home. However, the star running back has quickly lost a possible landing spot.
Le’Veon Bell released by the Jets
Since joining the Jets on a massive three-year, $52.4 million deal, Le’Veon Bell‘s tenure with the franchise quickly ran its course.
Bell hoped to establish himself as an offensive pillar in New York, but that never truly transpired. Much of this could be due to his relationship with head coach Adam Gase, who never liked the decision to sign the star running back to a massive contract.
It also didn’t help Bell’s case that he struggled with his production and health in his short time with the Jets. In his first year, he produced well below his expectations with 789 rushing yards and three touchdowns, along with 66 receptions for 461 receiving yards and a touchdown. That included him failing to register a single 100-rushing yard performance.
Bell has looked like a shadow of the player he was with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he was regarded by many as the league’s best running back. All that guided the situation to the Jets releasing him earlier this week. Following that move, one prominent team has elected to pass on bringing him aboard.
49ers cross themselves off the list for Le’Veon Bell
Le’Veon Bell is now on the open market available to explore his options around the league.
His choices have quickly dwindled down as the San Francisco 49ers have crossed their names off the list. According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, head coach Kyle Shanahan voiced that the 49ers are happy with their current stable of running backs.
“I’m good with all our guys,” coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters on Wednesday. “So, even if Raheem [Mostert] wasn’t back [from a knee injury], I don’t think that would change much. I think we’ve got pretty good depth and I know we’re going to get Tevin [Coleman] back soon, too, hopefully. Raheem played, I thought Raheem played great.”
Shanahan continued: “I thought he was probably the best football player on the field on Sunday and wish we could have got the ball to him more, but you could tell he was ready to go.”
The 49ers reportedly had an interest in bringing in Bell before he signed with the Jets in 2019. The team has since moved forward with a collective approach at the running back position. It has seen that game plan equate to much success as Raheem Mostert, Tevin Coleman, and Jerrick McKinnon have each found their niche in the offense.
Despite the 49ers not being on the list, a few other notable suitors are lining up for Bell’s services.
Other possible landing spots emerge
Since his release from the Jets, Le’Veon Bell has garnered interest from a few teams around the league.
That has quickly seen the list shortened down to three possible choices to the Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, and Buffalo Bills. The Chiefs’ inclusion likely comes due to the interest to compete for a Super Bowl. However, Kansas City has already found its future in the backfield with Clyde Edwards-Helaire.
The Buffalo Bills have moved forward with Devin Singletary as their primary running back and rookie Zack Moss as the backup. Bell could move his way into the picture and help the team garner more stability in the running game and aid their push to the playoffs.
Meanwhile, the Miami Dolphins could be where he could get the most playing time. Myles Gaskin has worked his way into the starting job, but Bell could have the opportunity to showcase he can be the lead back.
Ultimately, there should be clarity on this front in the coming days where he finds his next home in the NFL.
