Running back Le’Veon Bell has signed a 4-year, $52 million contract with the New York Jets. This deal keeps him with the team through 2022. Bell spent his first six years as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Le’Veon Bell: 4 years, $52.5 million with the Jets, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2019
Le’Veon Bell to Sign With New York Jets
Le’Veon Bell did not play a single snap in 2018 due to a contract dispute with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In 2017, his last season of competition, he 321 carries for 1,291 yards and nine touchdowns. He also tallied 85 receptions for 655 yards and two touchdowns. Those 406 touches factored into his decision to sit out of 2018 and reach free agency healthy.
In five competitive seasons, Bell has rushed for 5,336 yards and 35 touchdowns on 1,229 carries. He also has 312 catches for 2,660 yards and seven touchdowns as well. That kind of production made Bell one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the league. He runs with great patience and vision, allowing his blockers to get in position for him to gash opposing defenses. Bell is a three time Pro Bowler, and a first team All-Pro twice.
Staying on the field is a concern for Bell. In his six seasons as a pro he has only completed one full 16 game season. A foot injury forced Bell to miss three games his rookie season. A torn MCL limited Bell to six games in 2015. Bell has also faced suspension twice from the NFL due to violating the league’s substance abuse policy. He was suspended for the first two games in 2015 and the first three games of the 2016 season.
Bell was a three year starter out of Groveport Madison in Ohio, but wasn’t highly recruited. Bell attended Michigan State and turned out a first team All-Big Ten junior season. His Spartan career included over 3,000 yards rushing and 33 touchdowns, enough to make him the 48th pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.
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