New York Jets target Le’Veon Bell is reportedly seeking a grotesque $50 million within the first two years of his next deal.
It’s grotesque, folks. The money free-agent stud Le’Veon Bell is seeking within the first two years of his anticipated long-term NFL contract reaches the stratosphere of incomprehensible.
According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, the Michigan State second-round product is craving an unheard of (for the running back position) $50 million within the first two years of his next deal.
Bell is Seeking a deal worth 50 million dollars in the first two years of the deal. Plenty of skepticism he will approach that number. Jets, Eagles, Bucs could be among the teams involved
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) February 20, 2019
“Bell is Seeking a deal worth 50 million dollars in the first two years of the deal. Plenty of skepticism he will approach that number. Jets, Eagles, Bucs could be among the teams involved.”
In addition, La Canfora mentions the New York Jets among the teams possibly interested. The other two listed are the Philadelphia Eagles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Bell, 27, is absolutely a free agent gem by way of pure talent. A three-time Pro Bowler and two-time 1st-Team All-Pro, the man represents an oddity in today’s NFL: a workhorse back.
Compiling 5,336 rushing yards (4.3 yards per attempt) and 35 scores to go along with 2,660 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on 312 receptions, Bell’s statistics over 62 total games cannot be disputed.
He simply plays the wrong position.
The money he requires doesn’t mesh with today’s standard of value under the rigors of the hard salary cap. Running back is one that oozes value.
Look at Bell, himself. He wasn’t a top 10 pick. As a second rounder, he represents exactly what’s wrong with dishing out $12-$15 million in cap space at the spot.
Of course, this is wildly interesting news as it relates to the Jets, a team currently possessing nearly $100 million in cap space heading into the 2019 NFL offseason. Nobody believes Bell will receive $50 million within the first two years of his next deal. Nobody.
Nevertheless, considering his unreliable nature—only 62 games of a possible 96 (six seasons)—coupled with the idea New York can snag a workhorse back in the mid rounds of the draft, it makes little sense to ride the Le’Veon Bell free agency train.
Every dollar under the salary cap is valuable, meaning $95 million in cap space doesn’t justify an overvalued signing.
Build the offensive line and secure the house prior to dreaming about roster-completion moves such as Le’Veon Bell or Antonio Brown.
