Le’Veon Bell has shut down all the rumors about him and Adam Gase not getting along.
Bell’s future with the Jets has been questioned thanks to multiple reports of friction between him the and the head coach. Such reports surfaced before the running back could even take a snap with the Jets — Gase apparently wasn’t a fan of paying a hefty price tag for the position — and Bell was used sparingly in 2019 compared to his career standards in Pittsburgh. However, Bell has assured everyone that him and Gase are just fine and that there’s nothing to worry about moving forward.
“Me and Coach Gase had our exit meeting,” Bell told TMZ. “It was fine, so we straight. Yeah, we good.”
Last offseason, it was reported that Gase didn’t want to sign Bell to a massive contract. Gase wasn’t comfortable giving a 27-year-old running back a big contract. Former general manager Mike Maccagnan was still around when Bell signed a four-year, $52.5 million deal.
Bell had a down year in his first season with the Jets. In 15 games, he rushed for 789 yards and three touchdowns. As a receiver, Bell had 66 receptions for 461 yards and a touchdown. His role in the offense was suspiciously nonexistent at times, leading many to wonder if Gase was trying to push him aside.
It’s been speculated that the Jets could try to trade Bell this offseason, but that won’t be easy given the money he’s due. Joe Douglas did take calls on Bell at the trade deadline, but nothing came to fruition.
For what it’s worth, Bell fully expects to be back with the Jets in 2020.
“Everybody blowing everything out of proportion,” Bell said. “Water under the bridge — we’re fine. We good … Jets for four more years unless something drastic changes.”
