Statistically, Le'Veon Bell is having the worst season of his career (not even close), and there's little hope for improvement because the offensive line is a mess and it looks as if the star running back has lost a half-step. He's still a good player, but he's a luxury item for a team in transition. That's why I believe they will look to part ways with him in the offseason.
The question is, how?
Bell's $13 million in 2020 is fully guaranteed ($8 million in salary, plus $5 million in bonuses), and no team in its right mind will trade for a 28-year-old running back -- coming off a down season -- with that kind of price tag. His contract is the reason why teams backed off at the recent trading deadline. If the Jets are truly motivated to move him, they will have to pull off a Jadeveon Clowney-type deal: They will have to eat part of his salary, as the Houston Texans did when they traded Clowney to the Seattle Seahawks.
The Jets can't cut Bell because the 2020 cap hit would go from his current $15.5 million to $19 million.
It's unfair to criticize Bell because of the line issues, but let's be honest: He has left some yards on the field. He's not a great fit in a zone-blocking scheme because he can't plant and make the quick, upfield cut. His average speed at the line of scrimmage is 8.25 mph, according to NFL Next Gen Stats -- which ranks 25th out of 26 running backs with at least 100 carries. The New York Giants recognized this last week, and used a scheme that basically dared him to run outside.
Now Bell is dealing with a sore knee and sore ribs, which have affected his blocking. Coach Adam Gase would be wise to give Bilal Powell, quicker to the hole than Bell, a few more chances.
"I know the type of player I am and what I bring to the table," said Bell, who has maintained a positive outlook despite only 449 yards and a career-low 3.1 yards per carry.
Mark my words, this will be a big offseason story.
The question is, how?
Bell's $13 million in 2020 is fully guaranteed ($8 million in salary, plus $5 million in bonuses), and no team in its right mind will trade for a 28-year-old running back -- coming off a down season -- with that kind of price tag. His contract is the reason why teams backed off at the recent trading deadline. If the Jets are truly motivated to move him, they will have to pull off a Jadeveon Clowney-type deal: They will have to eat part of his salary, as the Houston Texans did when they traded Clowney to the Seattle Seahawks.
The Jets can't cut Bell because the 2020 cap hit would go from his current $15.5 million to $19 million.
It's unfair to criticize Bell because of the line issues, but let's be honest: He has left some yards on the field. He's not a great fit in a zone-blocking scheme because he can't plant and make the quick, upfield cut. His average speed at the line of scrimmage is 8.25 mph, according to NFL Next Gen Stats -- which ranks 25th out of 26 running backs with at least 100 carries. The New York Giants recognized this last week, and used a scheme that basically dared him to run outside.
Now Bell is dealing with a sore knee and sore ribs, which have affected his blocking. Coach Adam Gase would be wise to give Bilal Powell, quicker to the hole than Bell, a few more chances.
"I know the type of player I am and what I bring to the table," said Bell, who has maintained a positive outlook despite only 449 yards and a career-low 3.1 yards per carry.
Mark my words, this will be a big offseason story.