Sources tell Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News that the Jets won’t “break the bank” in free agency to sign RB Le’Veon Bell.
Mehta says that the Jets have some concern about Bell’s motivation after landing a big payday this offseason.
The Jets have been mentioned as a team to watch for Bell, given that they could use an impact player on the offensive side of the ball and they will have around $100 million of cap space to work with.
Mehta says it’s still possible New York will make Bell a “fair and competitive” offer, but it doesn’t sound like they’re all-in to sign him.
Bell reportedly turned down a five-year, $70 million offer from the Steelers that included $33 million guaranteed, so he’ll be looking to top those numbers in free agency.
For what it’s worth, Mehta lists the Jets, Buccaneers, Eagles, Raiders and perhaps the Dolphins are potential fits for Bell this offseason.
Reports from last year mentioned that the Steelers could end up using their transition tag on Bell, which would give them the right of first refusal on any offer he receives from another team. Although, Pittsburgh would not receive any compensation for him if they declined to match an offer sheet from another team.
Bell, 26, 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.
In 2017, Bell appeared in 15 games for the Steelers and rushed for 1, 291yards on 321 carries (4 YPC) to go along with 85 receptions for 655 yards receiving and 11 total touchdowns. Pro Football Focus had him rated as the No. 9 running back out of 58 qualifying players.
We have him featured in our Top 50 – 2019 NFL Free Agents list.
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Hey Bouda! You forgot the 49ers as a possible destination for LVB. A backfield of LVB, Breida and McKinnon would give HC Shanahan a ton of options at RB and the passing game. Remember! LVB has an issue with the “Wacky Weed” as well, besides all the contractual and motivational issues as you stated.
I personally don’t see any team offering more then 4 years with a large portion of the guaranteed money given in the first 2 years of the deal. LVB is also coming off a year long layoff. And LVBs last live in game contact was in late 2017, so it will be closer to a year and a half since LVB played meaningful football. Plus! LVB will be 27 in 2019.
I think LVB and his future game plan backfired on him. LVB most likely will see offers for 4yrs/$60-65m with about $35-40M in guarantees. MAYBE! A 5th year option will be added to make the deal look more attractive. It’s just the fact of LVB being 27, missing over a year of play, the weed habit and the drama he has created for himself. That’s a lot for any team to deal with on any level. And then shelling out the dollars for his services.