New York explored a trade for Le’Veon Bell, who was the second year of a four-year, $52 million deal, but found no takers for his contract and on Tuesday night, announced they will release him.
Bell will finish his Jets career with 264 carries and 69 receptions for a total of 1363 yards and four touchdowns. While he didn’t live up to his billing as a star running back in New York, he’ll have no shortage of suitors on the market, presuming he’s only looking for a minimum deal after getting the remaining $6 million of his Jets salary from New York.
Where Bell signs may come down to what he wants in a new team: is an opportunity to showcase his skills again, reestablish his stock, and put himself in the best position for another big contract? Or would a smaller role with a serious chance to win a Super Bowl ring be his best bet?
Odds on Where Le’Veon Bell Plays Next
Odds for what team Le'Veon Bell will play for next (BetOnline):
Bears +400
Steelers +600
Chiefs +650
Browns +700
Bucs +750
Titans +800
Cardinals/Dolphins/Seahawks +900
49ers +1000
Giants/Washington +1200
Patriots +1400
Lions +1600— Odds Shark (@OddsShark) October 14, 2020
The Bears are the favorites (+400), though I’d peg the Buccaneers are the best bet at +750. Tampa Bay should be at the top of the list when discussing Bell’s next team and having four teams ahead of them isn’t the wisest move from the oddsmakers.
Tampa Bay signed Leonard Fournette prior to the start of the season, though his ankle has limited him so far. Prior to the season, Tom Brady and the Bucs talked up Ronald Jones as their James White-type pass-catcher out of the backfield, though Jones hasn’t exactly thrived in that role. Neither has offseason addition LeSean McCoy.
Bell could come into Tompa Bay and thrive immediately, providing the team with a top option at the position. The Bucs are well-equipped to deal with his injury risk with their depth and personality with Brady’s determination, Bruce Arians’ leadership, and the Bucs real shot at a championship likely enough to keep the mercurial running back happy.
