Going into this offseason, the biggest name free agent on the market was running back Le’Veon Bell, who clearly was not going to re-sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers after sitting out all of last season.
A variety of teams showed interest in Bell, and rightfully so considering he is a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro in his five NFL seasons.
Among them were the Oakland Raiders, who are already off to a good start this offseason by reportedly trading for Bell’s former teammate, Antonio Brown and inking free agent offensive lineman Trent Brown and free safety Lamarcus Joyner to contracts.
Head coach Jon Gruden and new general manager Mike Mayock were not able to hit the jackpot though, as according to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Bell will be signing with the New York Jets:
Former Steelers’ RB Le’Veon Bell plans to sign with…the New York Jets, a league source tells ESPN
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2019
Bell sat out last season because he felt he was worth more than he was being paid, and it wound out working out for him as his new four-year deal can be worth up to $61 million, with more than half of it guaranteed:
Le’Veon Bell’s four-year deal with the New York Jets has a max value of $61 million and includes $35 million guaranteed, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2019
Bell will be running behind former Raiders Pro Bowl left guard Kelechi Osemele, who was reportedly traded to New York just a few days ago.
In 2017, the last time Bell was on the field, he rushed for 1,291 yards and nine touchdowns on a league-high 321 carries, adding 85 receptions for 655 yards and two touchdowns in 15 games.
The Raiders are currently without a starting running back in place, although the free agent class still includes Marshawn Lynch, Mark Ingram, Tevin Coleman and Jay Ajayi, among others. Oakland also still has three first round picks in the upcoming draft.
