New York Jets considered the best fit for Le’Veon Bell
By Erik Lambert
The New York Jets are in prime position for a rapid turnaround in 2019. They have their quarterback in place. Now they must take the next step.
That means arming him with as much protection and weapons as they possibly can. The great news is they have the resources to do this. Not only do they have favorable draft position to acquire a higher-end talent in the 1st round. They also have a boatload of spending money for the upcoming free agency. There really is no limit in terms of who they can go after. They have the space to get any of the top free agents available.
It’s a matter of figuring out who. Will they try to grab a top pass rusher? Or maybe a top offensive lineman? Perhaps they could try to swing a trade for one of the big wide receiver names that are rumored to be available like Antonio Brown or Odell Beckham Jr. However, NFL insider Marc Sessler seems to think their focus will be on a different part of the offense.
Among the many teams who could be courting star running back Le’Veon Bell this March, the Jets stand out as the ones who should win the race.
"“Close your eyes and imagine the following: A watchable — nay, intriguing — Jets offense. Gang Green houses the requisite dough to make a run at the level of player who rarely reaches the open market. The cost will be massive — “100 M’s!” Bell told TMZ when asked what it would take to sign with New York — but general manager Mike Maccagnan is running out of time to flip the switch on this still-in-progress roster.”"
New York Jets have to see what Bell can do for Sam Darnold
The key factor in this entire equation is money. The entire reason Bell sat out the 2018 season was because he didn’t feel the Pittsburgh Steelers were paying him the money he felt he deserved. That means if the Jets want to lure him to New York, they’re going to have to open the checkbook. They have the cap space to do it and it will likely require more than they would usually be comfortable with. Still, the potential payoff would be huge.
Bell is arguably the most versatile running back in the game today. Not only can he tote the ball 20-25 times on the ground, but he’s also a natural receiver who can catch 5-10 passes every week. That kind of reliability is something a young quarterback like Sam Darnold needs. The sort of player that can be leaned on as he tries to digest a new offense under Adam Gase.