New York Jets finally managed to capture a star free agent after recently missing out on linebacker Anthony Barr, who decided to remain with Minnesota Vikings. According to several media outlets, including NFL Network and ESPN, Jets are set to sign former Pittsburgh Steelers’ Pro Bowl running Le’Veon Bell.
Bell reportedly plans to sign a four years contract with the Jets, which will pay him $52.5 million. According to the deal, the 27-year-old will get $35 million guaranteed while the overall value might go up to $61 million based on incentives.
Bell already confirmed the deal on his Instagram, posting a photo of himself in a New York Jets jersey.
Le’Veon Bell made a surprising decision in 2018, when he decided to sit out the entire season after he couldn’t agree on a long-term contract with the Steelers. While this helped him to preserve his body and avoid major injuries, it seems like it also hurt his value on the market. The deal he accepted from the Jets is significantly less than the $17 million per year he reportedly wanted last year. It is also less than contract Pittsburgh offered him to stay, which was $70 million over 5 years with more than $33 million in guarantees.
Besides the Jets, Bell had several other suitors including San Francisco 49ers and Indianapolis Colts. Still, neither team wanted to meet the player’s demands, and he ended up taking the biggest offer.
During his five years with the Steelers, Le’Veon Bell established himself as the best dual-threat running back in the game. He earned three Pro Bowl appearances while in Pittsburgh while also having two First-Team All-Pro selections. Bell’s career stats include 5,336 rushing yards and 35 rushing touchdowns alongside 312 receptions for 2,660 yards and seven touchdowns.
