New York Jets To Pass On Le’Veon Bell: 2nd Tier Market More Attractive

Paying top dollar for a star running back can be a great move if they provide immense value to the offense. In the case of the New York Jets, former Steeler Le’Veon Bell certainly has the potential to revolutionize a unit led by second-year quarterback, Sam Darnold.

Providing the young signal caller with that type of weapon would make the offense 10x more efficient. It’s expected that the Jets will have over $100 million in salary-cap space, opening up a window of opportunity for them to put something special together in the near future. Adding the right pieces at the right time will be the challenge, or the better focus might be – allocating money towards positions of need.

How much would it take for the New York Jets to secure Bell?

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Bell is seeking money in the $17 million per year range, with $45 million guaranteed in the contract. The New York-based team could easily meet his demands, but why should they?

A second-tier market includes players like Tevin Coleman, C.J. Anderson, Latavius Murray, Adrian Peterson…this list goes on. Signing a veteran running back might be exactly what the Jets needs in the interim. A player like Peterson, who has proven he can still dominate, would be a great tool for Darnold to utilize and learn from.

Peterson only earned $1.015 million in 2018. The Jets could theoretically sign the illustrious Peterson and Coleman to be a third-down, pass catching back. A duo like that would be feared, and it would give the team time to find their true work-horse. Additionally, it would cost them a fraction of what Bell is asking for.

The Jets need an upgrade THIS year:

The Jets finished last season as the 26th ranked rushing team, averaging 101.4 yards per game. There’s no question that the running back position needs an upgrade, but there’s more value to be found than an attitude-driven Le’Veon Bell.