Le’Veon Bell Wants To Be Back With Jets

Jets RB Le’Veon Bell was the subject of trade rumors leading up to the deadline and his future in New York is up in the air. However, he has 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 says 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.”

Last we heard regarding Bell, SNY’s Ralph Vacchiano reported that multiple sources around the NFL expect the Jets to look into trading him and S Jamal Adams this offseason. 

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. 

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 has appeared in 14 games for the Jets and rushed for 748 yards on 229 carries (3.3 YPC) to go along with 61 receptions for 425 yards receiving and four total touchdowns.