Just as soon as the New York Jets decided to release running back Le’Veon Bell, NFL fans thought he might be headed to the New England Patriots. It’s a Twitter-honored tradition for fans to connect the Patriots to just about every veteran who is in need of a career reclamation.
So the Bell transaction led to a round of jokes: When are the Patriots going to sign him for the veteran minimum? After all, he made $28 million across 18 games played for New York. He’s 28 years old and might be interested in helping Bill Belichick, Cam Newton and the Patriots win a Super Bowl.
I’m here to tell you that’s not happening.
Why do I think Bell will sign with the Patriots for league minimum and be awesome next to Cam?
— Matthew Berry (@MatthewBerryTMR) October 14, 2020
WOW. As a Bell owner and enthusiast this honestly excites me. He looked good on Sunday but only got 1 target? Offense just wasn’t using him correctly. Assuming he signs with a playoff contender that can offer him a solid workload and he can be an RB2 in fantasy. Patriots 👀 https://t.co/eexXV5JHqA
— The Fantasy Guru (@FantasyAdvice99) October 14, 2020
My guess is the Patriots sign Bell.
— Sports Lovin' Melissa (@Steelchick401) October 14, 2020
Le'Veon is gonna be a New England Patriot isn't he
— lindsey ok (@lindseyyok) October 14, 2020
Incoming Le’Veon Bell to the Patriots tweet from Adam Schefter.
— Cool Your Jets (@CYJpod) October 14, 2020
Le'Veon Bell is a member of the New England Patriots in over/under 48.5 hours?
— Jon Alba (@JonAlba) October 14, 2020
It’ll be really cool when Le’Veon Bell is claimed by the Patriots
— Steve Braband (@stevebraband) October 14, 2020
Bell has fought hard and leveraged to get the biggest contracts he could. His business decisions haven’t always been successful — but they’re generally bold. He decided to hold out for a full year rather than play on the franchise tag with the Pittsburgh Steelers. That breakup was ugly, with Bell threatening to retire over the contract dispute during one of the team’s playoff runs. If he were to apply the same shrewd business-forward approach, he probably wouldn’t land in New England during his latest stint in free agency.
Even if he’s accepts a veteran minimum deal, the Patriots don’t seem like a good match. It’s just hard to see what the team stands to gain from adding the running back. Bell doesn’t know New England’s system, which would make bringing him up to speed a challenge in a season that’s already packed full of adversity. The Patriots also seem content with their depth at running back, with Sony Michel (IR), Damien Harris, James White, Rex Burkhead and J.J. Taylor. It’s easy to imagine they won’t go through the potential complications of adding Bell, an aging back whose production has waned, when they’re already set at the position. They’re simply not a match.
