Jets Open To Trading RB Le’Veon Bell, Chiefs & Texans Showing Most Interest

October 29, 2019

Update: According to the Athletic’s Connor Hughes, the Jets aren’t actively shopping RB Le’Veon Bell as much as teams are calling them to gauge the price on the runner, which is high.

Hughes mentions the Chiefs and Texans as the teams with the most interest in Bell, with Kansas City having the most draft capital to make a deal happen.

According to Manish Mehta, the Jets are open to trading RB Le’Veon Bell by today’s 4 pm Eastern trade deadline.

Albert Breer reports that teams haven’t called the Jets regarding Bell but that New York is receptive to the idea of moving the runner.

Bell just signed with the Jets in free agency this offseason on a four-year, $52.5 million deal. But new GM Joe Douglas was not a part of the front office that made that deal and has been looking to put his stamp on the team.

There were also reports that Jets HC Adam Gase was opposed to signing Bell, as he didn’t believe any running back was worth that kind of contract.

Mehta writes to keep an eye on the Texans, Chiefs and Bills as potential buyers for Bell. He also says the Eagles would also be interested but likely unable to meet the Jets’ asking price.

Mehta adds Bell’s contract and the Jets’ likely asking price makes it unlikely Bell will find a new home by this afternoon.

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 includes $35 million guaranteed.

In 2019, Bell has appeared in seven games for the Jets and rushed 109 times for 349 yards (3.2 YPC) and one touchdown while adding 32 receptions for 187 yards and one touchdown.

We’ll have more on Bell as the news is available.