Le’Veon Bell and the Kansas City Chiefs have signed a one-year contract this Thursday afternoon.
One of the best rushers in the NFL will try to revive his career with the biggest Super Bowl contender after a bad stint in New York.
The Chiefs needed a player who will add depth to the RB position as they only have Clyde Edwards-Helaire able to make notable stats following Damien Williams’ opt-out decision due to the COVID-19 virus.
Kansas City, #ChiefsKingdom, thank you for the opportunity 🙏🏾 let’s go! pic.twitter.com/6aEY9GaoA7
— Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell) October 15, 2020
Bell was released this Tuesday by the Jets after almost one and a half-season. Once coming to NY, the star running back was projected to be the team’s leader and the cornerstone in Jets’ future activities and plans. He would sign a four-year deal worth $52.5 million at the time, making him the second-highest paid player in his position.
However, the episode in the Big Apple was nothing more than a bust, with Bell averaging 3.3 yards per carry, third-worst among the running backs during that time. In total, he had 863 yards over 17 games, for three touchdowns, and 500 receiving yards with one score.
He and the head coach Adam Gase were not on the same page right from the start, with Gase being against giving Bell such a high salary in the first place. As time went by, the relationship deteriorated, culminating this Monday when both parties agreed to seek a potential trade for the player.
Jets eventually had to release Bell because there weren’t any teams on the market willing to take on his contract. It was a tough blow for the team from NY, but since they already sit last in the AFC and are without a win, it wouldn’t hurt their plans for this season. Their salary cap will have to eat some dead money, but at this point, that is no concern for the Jets’ management.
Welcome to #ChiefsKingdom, @LeVeonBell! pic.twitter.com/74WeNZ3eD5
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) October 15, 2020
On the other side, the Chiefs will get a potential superstar at the RB position. “Potential” because many are unsure whether Bell can get back to the level of play from Pittsburgh Steelers once he earned three All-Pro selections and three Pro-Bowl invitations, becoming arguably the best rusher in the NFL.
The Chiefs are 4-1 now and are traveling to Buffalo on Monday night. After that, they have a divisional derby against the Broncos at Mile High.