New York Jets need Le’Veon Bell focused on the season
The New York Jets signed an All-Pro running back in Le’Veon Bell that can help the offense, but they need to make sure he’s focused on the game.
Le’Veon Bell made headlines last season after deciding to sit out the year instead of signing another franchise tag with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The New York Jets immediately swooped up the All-Pro running back for four years worth $52.5 million with the potential of maxing out at $61 million.
Bell has shown over the years that he is probably the most versatile running back in football. His stats from either rushing the ball or receiving are comparable to some of the greatest players currently in the hall of fame. His last season with the Steelers in 2017, Bell rushed for 1,291 yards, nine touchdowns while catching 85 passes for 655 yards.
The stats are amazing, but it was always another issue that forced fear into many teams, and that was Bell’s legal problems after being suspended several times in the past for drug-related incidents. Bell has also shown to be interested in other ventures including his music career and becoming very popular on social media, especially during the season away from football.
The first incident under the Jets regime was with Bell’s house being robbed by allegedly two of his girlfriends. TMZ released the audio of his 911 call and the ridiculous nature of the theft.
"“Well, I had two girls in my house,” Bell said on the 911 call. “And I got up, and I did my normal routine to go to work out. So I left the workout for a couple hours. When I came back, they took my money, they took my watch, my jewelry, a couple more of my things of value out of my house. I don’t know where they’re at. I tried to call them before I called you guys. I tried to call them and they’re not answering me, and they’re ignoring me.”"
The investigation is still ongoing, but it’s already a bad look for Bell trying to make a positive impression on his new team. Head coach Adam Gase has already posed the question of trading Bell before the season even starts especially after all the movement in the franchise’s front office lately. He is committed to Bell obviously, and the Jets are just hoping to get into training camp without any more distractions.
Next. Sam Darnold loses more than just a teammate in Josh McCown. dark
Bell will be relied upon heavily alongside second-year quarterback Sam Darnold to rejuvenate this Jets offense. Bell’s lockerroom presence needs to be positive because he will be looked at as a leader for “Gang Green.”