The troubled marriage between New York Jets and running back Le’Veon Bell has come to an end. Jets confirmed on Tuesday that they have released Bell, bringing his stint with the franchise to an end after less than two seasons.
Before releasing Bell, the Jets tried to execute a trade but found it unsurprisingly hard to move the rest of the four-year, $52.5 million that the 28-year-old player signed last year. With the relationship between two sides already unrepairable, release emerged as the only logical move going forward.
Jets will still be on the hook for Bell’s $2.5 million signing bonus and $6 million base salary in 2020, but the number will go down if the two-times All-Pro signs with another team this season.
“The Jets organization appreciates Le’Veon’s efforts during his time here, and we know he worked hard to make significant contributions to this team,” said Jets’ general manager Joe Douglas in a statement. “We believe this decision is in the best interests of both parties and wish him future success.”
Le’Veon Bell decided to sign with the Jets in March 2019, after sitting out the 2018 season following a contract dispute with Pittsburgh Steelers. Bell hoped to be a focal point of the team’s offense, while the Jets believed he could help young quarterback Sam Darnold take the next step. Safe to say, things didn’t work out the way everybody hoped for.
Bell didn’t mesh with Jets’ head coach Adam Gase, who reportedly wasn’t in favor of giving the Pro Bowler such a big contract. The pair frequently clashed, with Bell being disgruntled about the way Gase used him.
Bell will leave the Jets’ organization with a disappointing resume that includes 873 rushing yards and three touchdowns in 17 games. His 3.3 yards per carry is among the worst averages in the league, while he was also a non-factor in the passing game.
Still, it is likely that several teams will want to take a gamble on Bell, especially since they can sign him to the veteran’s minimum. The list of his potential landing places includes Chicago Bears, Kansas City Chiefs, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
