The New York Jets release Le’Veon Bell

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the New York Jets have released their starting running back Le’Veon Bell. This news comes the same day that the Jets started floating Bell’s name in trade rumors.

Bell signed a four-year $52.5 million contract with the Jets folllowing the 2018-19 season. Bell had not played the year before because he was holding out for the contract that he desired with his former team the Pittsburgh Steelers. During his time in Pittsburgh Bell became one of if not the best running backs and offensive players throughout all of football.

He had 7,996 scrimmage yards during his five seasons in Pittsburgh. Shortly afterwards with the New York Jets, Bell became the fastest player in NFL History to reach 8,000 scrimmage yards. He had three seasons with over 1,200 yards rushing and 600 yards receiving. His outstanding play earned him Pro Bowl Honors three times, First Team All-Pro twice, and a Second Team All-Pro recognition in 2016.

During his time in New York it appeared that head coach Adam Gase appeared to struggle to get Bell heavily involved in the offense, despite his superstardom and amazing talent. During his first season with the Jets Bell only finish the year with 789 rushing yards off 245 carries and 461 receiving yards off 66 receptions. That was Bell’s lowest scrimmage yards record in a single season in his career.

This season Bell only has 74 rushing yards off 19 carries and 39 receiving yards off three catches. He had only been limited to only two games this season because of a hamstring injury. But regardless of the injury, Bell just didn’t seem like he was being utilized right in this offense and it was obvious he didn’t want to stay with the Jets much longer.

Earlier today the Jets tried to trade Bell for “a late round pick or Back-End player” according to Albert Breer. However much like the Todd Gurley situation in Los Angeles teams around the league knew they can wait out the until the Jets are forced to release Bell when the it was no longer an option for him to remain on the team. The shocking part was how soon Bell and the Jets got to that point. That must speak to how toxic the situation between Gase and the Jets locker room is.

The team is 0-5 and is a front runner to land the first overall pick. Many believe it is due to the lack of star talent and poor coaching by Gase. Since early last season the Gase has been on the hot seat, but the team  continues to keep him as their head coach.

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