The New York Jets have officially parted ways with one of the biggest names on their roster. According to multiple reports, running back Le’Veon Bell and the Jets have officially parted ways after an underwhelming 0-5 start to the season. ESPN’s Adam Schefter was the first to break the news, and there was apparently no love lost between the two.
Jets tried to trade Le’Veon Bell for weeks, dating back to last year’s trade deadline. There were no takers. Tonight they released him. Bell now is a free agent. https://t.co/i12gKi220k
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 14, 2020
Le’Veon Bell, New York Jets Part Ways
The news of Bell’s release comes just days after he made his return to the field. The two-time All-Pro suffered a hamstring injury in Week 1 and landed on the short-term injured reserve. During his first game back, Bell recorded 13 carries for 60 yards to go along with one reception for seven yards. In Week 1, Bell recorded six carries for 14 yards as well as two receptions for 32 yards.
Bell signed a massive contract in 2018, and this move leaves the Jets with quite a bit of dead money. According to Spotrac, the Jets took a $15 million cap hit in 2020 and an additional $4 million in dead money in 2021 to make this move. Overall, Bell made $28 million over the course of his 18-game New York Jets career.
Le’Veon Bell initially entered the NFL as a second-round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. Selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Bell immediately earned the starting role while appearing in 13 games. During his time on the field, the rookie recorded 244 carries for 860 yards and eight touchdowns while adding another 45 receptions for 399 yards through the air.
Bell took his game to a new level in 2014, winning First-Team All-Pro honors while recording 1,361 rushing yards, 854 receiving yards, and a combined 11 touchdowns. Bell, along with Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown, formed arguably the NFL’s best trio from 2014 to 2017. While the trio never won a Super Bowl, they made the playoffs in all four seasons and made it to the AFC Championship Game in 2016.
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