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After reports emerged that they were trying to trade him, the New York Jets just ended up cutting Le’Veon Bell on Tuesday evening. The former Pittsburgh Steelers star is now a free agent.
Things were clearly bad between Bell and Adam Gase. The Jets were willing to take on $15 million in dead money just to get rid of him. Safe to say that four-year, $52.5 million contract worth $35 million guaranteed wasn’t worth it! Bell’s stats from his Jets tenure: 17 games played, 863 rushing yards (3.9 average), 3 rushing touchdowns, 69 receptions, 500 receiving yards (7.2 average), and 1 receiving touchdown.
Now that Bell is available, it’s only fair to ask: should the Philadelphia Eagles sign him?
The Eagles were previously rumored to be interested.
NFL insider Jason La Canfora once reported that the Eagles were interested in acquiring Bell prior to the 2018 NFL trade deadline. He then suggested the Eagles could be interested in him during the 2019 offseason. Bell himself told ESPN that he believed Philly would be coming after him.
The case FOR signing Le’Veon Bell.
- Bell will be available for very cheap since the Jets are on the hook for $6 million in offset money.
- Bell was a great player with the Steelers. He was a weapon as both a ball carrier and a pass catcher. Adding Bell could improve the Eagles’ chances of winning the NFC East.
- The Eagles aren’t getting much out of running backs behind Miles Sanders. Boston Scott is is averaging 3.3 yards per attempt this season. Corey Clement is at 2.7.
The case AGAINST signing Le’Veon Bell.
- Bell turns 29 in February. He’s not going to be a long-term piece in Philly.
- Miles Sanders already isn’t getting enough touches as it is. How about focusing on getting him the ball instead of giving it to someone else?
- Can’t underrate Gase’s role in Bell being disgruntled but it still might not be the best idea to bring him to this locker room.
- Bell probably wants to sign with a team that has a better outlook than the Eagles.
- Adding Bell prevents the Eagles from giving a shot to someone younger like Jason Huntley or Elijah Holyfield, who could actually end up being a long-term piece.
The verdict.
If the Eagles added Bell on a minimum contract, it wouldn’t be the end of the world. But I don’t think it’s the best move and I think he’ll likely want to go elsewhere anyway, rendering this entire discussion moot.