Free agent running back Le’Veon Bell generates rumors for Kansas City Chiefs.
From the moment it was announced that Le’Veon Bell was a free agent, the hopes of Chiefs Kingdom and rumors around the NFL could be heard in conjunction with Kansas City. In fact, it all started even before he was officially released by the New York Jets.
Bell was set free on Tuesday by the Jets after just over a year-and-a-half of a marriage that never worked out as hoped. When the Jets first signed Bell to an expensive multi-year deal, the hope was that he would work with new head coach Adam Gase to form a dynamic new offense around Sam Darnold. Instead, the production was lacking, Bell was upset by misuse, and the team became wary of his price tag.
After being unable to trade him for anything (an injury guarantee worth $8 million took care of that), the Jets finally released him on Tuesday. The only thing that came quicker than the rumors was Bell’s obvious relief.
https://twitter.com/LeVeonBell/status/1316179791180070912
got a lot to prove. i’m ready to go. pic.twitter.com/oDqBM62JfN
— Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell) October 14, 2020
From there, the rumor mill began to churn. Given Bell’s status as a veteran, he’s not subject to waivers, which means the Chiefs are in play along with other contenders. Bell will have his choice of destinations as a free agent, and plenty of teams should be interested given the lack of financial constraints likely to come with him. The Jets owe him $6 million, so any contract he earns from another team will only ease what the Jets have to pay.
On Twitter, it was interesting to see Chris Jones stir the pot around Bell with this cryptic tweet.
@LeVeonBell....
— Chris Jones (@StoneColdJones) October 14, 2020
However, it’s also important to remember that Jones has worked out with Bell before. He also apparently advised him financially. There’s a friendship there and Jones stopped short of saying anything more than addressing him on Twitter.
However, he’s not the only part of Chiefs Kingdom who was angling for Bell to join the Chiefs after being given his newfound freedom.
I know a guy who could help. https://t.co/65t0TBFiOr pic.twitter.com/c7RFSYYUmz
— BJ Kissel (@BJ_KCSN) October 14, 2020
Over at ESPN, Bill Barnwell believes the Chiefs are among the “best fits” for Bell’s services:
"Coach Andy Reid is the screen whisperer, and I suspect the Chiefs could find a way to integrate Bell into their offense alongside Edwards-Helaire."
Bell also had Chiefs Kingdom buzzing about the potential of adding him to the offense.
Strictly my opinion:
— Matt Verderame (@MattVerderame) October 14, 2020
I'd keep my eyes on the Chiefs with regards to Le'Veon Bell. They were interested in Leonard Fournette (which I reported) and then Adrian Peterson.
Bell would come cheap, and he's a great receiver out of the backfield. He'd make a ton of sense alongside CEH
-Great in pass pro
— Connor Rogers (@ConnorJRogers) October 14, 2020
-Reliable hands, still has YAC ability
-Clearly should go to a contender that has a role for him
It’s perfect. https://t.co/nTOnkOOe5d
I'M HERE FOR IT. https://t.co/IiQfLaqjGR
— Joshua Brisco (@jbbrisco) October 14, 2020
However there are detractors. Former Chiefs lineman Geoff Schwartz thinks it’s a bad fit, both in quantity and quality.
Chiefs and Patriots fans, with a zillion backs on their roster ... PLEASE SIGN LEVEON BELL
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) October 14, 2020
Bell’s rushing style does not at all match the Chiefs OL https://t.co/HTyKcOn8dF
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) October 14, 2020
It’s possible we will know something soon given that Bell is officially a free agent as of late afternoon on Wednesday. However, Bell might also enjoy the chance to take a long, slow look around the room of suitors to see which opportunity is best. At some point soon, however, Bell will get back to work and will change the offensive potential for someone. The Chiefs are, at the very least, in the conversation on this side of things. It will be interesting to see how it plays out.