Report: Jets felt Le'Veon Bell gained weight, lost explosiveness last year

[gmf1369]

Before running back Le'Veon Bell signed with the Jets as a free agent last offseason, there was some discussion about whether he’d be in shape after sitting out the entire 2018 season.

Those concerns didn’t stop the Jets from signing him to a four-year deal, but they apparently haven’t gone away as he moves into his second season with the team. Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports that the team feels Bell lost explosiveness as he put on weight over the course of the 2019 season.

Bell’s results on the field back up that analysis. He averaged a career-low 3.2 yards per carry, some of which can be pinned on playing behind a subpar offensive line but Bell didn’t look like the back who starred for the Steelers earlier in his career.

That’s why there’s been chatter about the Jets being open to a trade, but Cimini notes that the team doesn’t think it is a likely outcome. Bell, who turns 28 on Tuesday, is owed $13.5 million in guaranteed salary in 2020 and they probably couldn’t expect much in return even if they did decide to go that route.

Report: Jets felt Le'Veon Bell gained weight, lost explosiveness last year

Before running back Le'Veon Bell signed with the Jets as a free agent last offseason, there was some discussion about whether he'd be in shape after sitting out the entire 2018 season.

profootballtalk.nbcsports.com

 

[cheaterhater]

Bell didn't look like he did on the Steelers because nobody on the Jets resembles anybody on the Steelers in any way.I

Except maybe the entire organization resembles former Steeler Antonio Brown

 

[gmf1369]

Bell did gain weight but on his defense knowing the sh*t OL he was going to play he would need some xtra protection for the beating he was going to take...

Explosiveness was there when he broke tackles and the OL opened holes but it is a two sided street and this seems like Adam Gase is throwing shade to have a reason to get rid of Bell...

 

[cheaterhater]

Bell did gain weight but on his defense knowing the sh*t OL he was going to play he would need some xtra protection for the beating he was going to take...

Explosiveness was there when he broke tackles and the OL opened holes but it is a two sided street and this seems like Adam Gase is throwing shade to have a reason to get rid of Bell...

Yeah. I agree. And Bell was good and didn't complain or start shi t even when he had to know what a huge mistake it was coming here

I , personally expected a meltdown from him. I give him credit

 

[LIJETFAN]

First half of the year, he was playing really hard. He didn't look like the same back as he did with the Steelers, but the Jets are not using him that way either. At least not yet. By all accounts he was a good teammate. Give this guy an offensive line, and he's still a !,000 yard back, who can catch 30 or 40 passes out of the backfield. I was not a fan of the signing because he was so expensive, but he's here now, so let's use his talent.

 

[Gramoah]

They can't afford to give him up. It would cost to much in dollars and they wouldn't get much for him in draft picks. If they fix the damn "O"line and Dumbass Gase learns how to use him they will be glad they have him. He's a team player, well liked by his teammates, rarely complains, still has the talent, can control the weight if it becomes necessary, speaks highly of the Jets and being here. It would be utterly stupid to part ways with him at this point. Trade Gase instead for a real coach.

 

[joeuser]

I gain weight when I sit around on my ass 2 much also.

 

[cheaterhater]

They can't afford to give him up. It would cost to much in dollars and they wouldn't get much for him in draft picks. If they fix the damn "O"line and Dumbass Gase learns how to use him they will be glad they have him. He's a team player, well liked by his teammates, rarely complains, still has the talent, can control the weight if it becomes necessary, speaks highly of the Jets and being here. It would be utterly stupid to part ways with him at this point. Trade Gase instead for a real coach.

I agree. Nice post

 

[butterscotch]

First half of the year, he was playing really hard. and he's still a !,000 yard back

Change the yards to dollars & I agree