Jets

Jets GM Joe Douglas On Le’Veon Bell: “If Teams Do Call, I’m Going To Listen”

December 31, 2019

During his press conference on Tuesday, Jets GM Joe Douglas told reporters that if teams call him about a potential trade for RB Le’Veon Bell this offseason, he plans to listen.

“If teams do call, I’m going to listen,” Douglas said, per Brian Costello.

Douglas did, however, add that his “personal experience with Le’Veon has been very positive.”

On Monday, Jets HC Adam Gase was not interested in answering a question about Bell’s future with the Jets, saying Douglas was in charge of personnel and Bell is still under contract for three more years.

Bell recently made it clear that he wants to be back with the Jets.

“I wouldn’t have signed here for four years if I didn’t want to be here four years,” Bell said, via ESPN.com.

“When I did sign here, I didn’t expect us to go 16-0, you know what I’m saying?” Bell added. “I knew it would be a process. I understand everything. We got a young quarterback, a whole group of guys coming in — new offensive coordinators, head coaches. … I understand what goes on. It’s not like basketball. You can’t take one or two guys and change a team.”

Bell did say that he understands that turning things around is a process and he’s willing to see it through.

“I’m a guy that is extremely patient, not just on the field,” Bell said. “I understand it takes a while to build a stable program. I’m here for it. It’s what I want to do. I’m not saying I’m ecstatic about it. I’m not saying I’m down about it. I understand it’s a process, getting things going in the right direction.”

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 later signed Bell to a four-year, $52.5 million contract worth up to $61 million and including $35 million guaranteed.

In 2019, Bell appeared in 15 games for the Jets and rushed for 789 yards on 245 carries (3.2 YPC) to go along with 66 receptions for 461 yards receiving and four total touchdowns.