According to SNY’s Ralph Vacchiano, multiple sources around the NFL expect the Jets to look into trading RB Le’Veon Bell and S Jamal Adams this offseason.
Bell was one of the Jets’ biggest acquisitions this offseason during a free agent spending spree. However, he hasn’t been able to transcend the Jets’ offensive struggles this season and is having one of the least productive seasons of his career.
Vacchiano adds that while the Jets listened to offers for Bell at the trade deadline this offseason, their asking price was high. He expects the team to be more receptive during the offseason.
“One source said it didn’t seem like the Jets were really willing to move him then, but since then it’s become pretty clear that (Jets HC) Adam Gase can’t find a way to make him the centerpiece of their offense, or doesn’t want to,” Vacchiano writes.
There were rumors back in May that Gase and former Jets GM Mike Maccagnan disagreed about signing Bell, with Gase not placing a high value on the running back position.
As for Adams, the Jets listened to offers for the safety leading up to the deadline, which later created some issues between the two parties.
The Cowboys reportedly made a serious offer for Adams, but they couldn’t come to an agreement. Vacchiano wouldn’t be surprised if talks between the two teams picked up again next.
“He’s another player that league sources still expect the Jets might be willing to trade,” Vacchiano said. “The Cowboys, of course, were in hot pursuit at the trading deadline, and they are likely to try again this winter.”
Bell, 27, is a former second-round pick of the Steelers back in 2013. He played out the final year of his four-year, $4,120,600 rookie contract, but Pittsburgh used their franchise tag on him.
Last year, the Steelers decided to franchise Bell for the second straight year, but he elected to hold out the entire 2018 season and set himself up for free agency in 2019.
The Jets signed Bell to a four-year, $52.5 million contract worth up to $61 million and including $35 million guaranteed.
In 2019, Bell has appeared in 12 games for the Jets and rushed 183 times for 589 yards (3.3 YPC) and three touchdowns while adding 55 receptions for 403 yards and one touchdown.
We’ll have more on Bell as the news is available.
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