The last couple of days have been a whirlwind of buzz and reports surrounding former All-Pro running back Le’Veon Bell. The Jets shopped in him a trade, and the Raiders were said to have reached out to inquire. But ultimately, he was released. And it didn’t take long for him to find a landing spot. He is signing on with the Kansas City Chiefs according to multiple reports.
While Twitter was sleeping …
Le’Veon Bell is signing with the #Chiefs, sources tell me and @JimTrotter_NFL.
(A good reminder to download the @nfl app, and watch @nflnetwork,
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 15, 2020
This is one of those potentially mutually beneficial situations. Big-time free agents like Bell usually look for a team on which they think they have a good chance to get a ring. The Chiefs just won one and are hoping to repeat.
Up until last week, the Chiefs were 4-0 and on a 13-game winning streak dating back to last season. Their top pick in the 2020 draft was running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire who has had a decent season so far, but just one TD.
Last Sunday CEH ran for 40 yards on just ten carries and the Chiefs suffered their first loss since week ten of last season. Not to say he was the reason or could’ve made a difference. It was the defense that gave up 40 points. But it was clear the Chiefs are not taking anything for granted. They had a shot to get a former All-Pro in Bell — albeit a couple of years removed from it — and they’re taking it.
Bell had 1,291 yards with nine touchdowns in 2017. He then held out the entire 2018 season rather than play on the franchise tag. He then signed a 4-year, $52.5 million deal with the Jets. He played just 17 games with the team, rushing for 863 yards and 3 touchdowns with another 500 yards receiving and a touchdown.
The Raiders next face the Chiefs in Week 11. Expect Bell to be on the field for that contest.
