The New York Jets are reportedly open to moving running back Le’Veon Bell prior to Tuesday’s trade deadline.
Le’Veon Bell saying goodbye to the New York Jets organization already? That very much could be a possibility by 4:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday when the trade deadline arrives.
According to sources close to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News, the Jets are open to moving the newly-acquired running back. Bell just signed a four-year, $52.5 million deal prior to this season. The contract made him the second-highest-paid running back in the league.
However, Connor Hughes of The Athletic reports that teams are inquiring about Bell, not that the Jets are actively looking to trade the All-Pro running back. Hughes adds that the Chiefs and Texans are the two most interested teams.
The Jets’ current general manager, Joe Douglas, wasn’t the one who signed Bell in March. Douglas became the GM in June after the Jets parted ways with Mike Maccagnan. Therefore, there’s a possibility that Douglas will look to drastically reshape the team.
Another possible reason for wanting to move him is the fact that his production hasn’t matched the amount of money the Jets are paying him. Through seven games, he’s rushed for 349 yards on 109 carries (3.2 yards-per-carry) with one touchdown. Bell has also caught 32 balls for 187 yards and a score. Needless to say, these numbers aren’t up to Bell’s standards.
Although Bell’s numbers aren’t pretty, the putrid offensive line has given the All-Pro running back no room to operate.
It’s unclear exactly what the Jets would ask for in return for their expensive running back. However, it’s appropriate to expect Bell will come with a high asking price for any team interested.
Trading Bell would leave the Jets with Ty Montgomery, Bilal Powell, and Trenton Cannon at the running back spot.
