Detroit Lions running back Joique Bell (35) carries the ball during the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Detroit Lions running back Joique Bell had a breakout season in 2013 as the No. 2 back to major offseason signing Reggie Bush, and Bell asserted himself as one of the league’s better all-purpose backs. Both he and Bush gave the Lions a much-needed 1-2 punch on the ground, and they also gave Matthew Stafford plenty of support in the passing game. With eight rushing touchdowns and 53 receptions for 547 yards, there’s little doubt that Bell made a huge impact this past season, and I’m sure the Lions aren’t the only team high on his skill-set.
Bell is set to receive a one-year tender as a restricted free agent, but I’m sure the Lions would like to give a key player on offense a relatively long-term deal. We know that Bell definitely wants a long-term deal, as Lions official site beat writer Tim Twentyman reported yesterday that the running back wants a long-term deal and added that the Lions also have interest in striking a multi-year pact with Bell, as opposed to only having him for one season.
It will be interesting to see what pick the Lion use to tender their No. 2 back in restricted free agency, and the Lions official site reported earlier that the team is expected to give him a second-round tender. That makes plenty of sense, since Bell is good enough to be a full-time starter elsewhere and would thus be valued highly by other teams around the league.