Free agent running back Le’Veon Bell will sign with the Kansas City Chiefs.
The rumors pointed the way, and now the news has become official. The Kansas City Chiefs will sign free agent running back Le’Veon Bell, per an NFL report.
Bell has been angling for his freedom for some time with the New York Jets after having grown frustrated by his use with the franchise. Head coach Adam Gase’s offense is pretty much the NFL’s worst, and Bell had valid reasons to be so unhappy there.
After attempts to trade him, the Jets were ultimately forced to release him in order to avoid further financial hits, thus granting him free agency as a veteran in the league.
The last two-and-a-half years haven’t gone according to plan for Bell since he decided to sit out a season from the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Jets signed him before the 2019 season, but Bell had only 789 rushing yards on 245 carries and 3 touchdowns, all of which led to a paltry 3.2 yards/carry average. This year, Bell’s average (in only two games) is up to 3.9 yards/carry but the sample size is ridiculously small.
In his prime, Bell was a three-time All-Pro running back with the Steelers who was in conversation for the very best at his position. Together with Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown, he formed the cornerstone of one of the league’s most dynamic offenses from 2013-17. During that time, Bell averaged just under 1,600 yards from scrimmage per season.
At this point with the Chiefs, Bell will share time with Clyde Edwards-Helaire and offer the Chiefs some veteran experience at a younger position overall. Bell, who is still only 28 years old, will be able to hit free agency against next spring with the hopes of a fresh start and another solid payday on the open market.