NFL Power Rankings 2020: Ranking every starting running back

14. Le’Veon Bell, New York Jets

Once a top-three running back in the NFL, Bell’s stock took a dive when he decided to sit out for the entire 2018 season rather than play for the Pittsburgh Steelers under the franchise tag for a second straight year. Bell forfeited just over $14.5 million by not playing and signed a four-year, $52.5 million deal with the Jets last offseason.

Bell currently makes the third-most money annually among running backs, raking in an average of $13.125 a year. He only trails Ezekiel Elliott ($15 million) and Christian McCaffrey ($16,015,875) in this category, but Bell did not play like one of the highest-paid running backs in the NFL last year. Instead, he struggled along with the rest of New York’s offense.

After earning a First-Team All-Pro selection in 2017, Bell averaged a career-low in rushing yards per game (52.6) and yards per attempt (3.2) with the Jets. Granted, New York’s offensive line ranked among the worst last season, and the team’s quarterback play didn’t exactly help out, but Bell still severely underachieved.

In his 15 appearances, Bell generated 789 rushing yards, 461 receiving yards, and four total touchdowns. The Jets did overhaul their offensive line this offseason and added some new faces to the running back room. The team agreed to terms with future Hall of Famer Frank Gore and drafted Florida’s La’Mical Perine in the fourth round.

Hopefully, New York’s offseason additions can help Bell find his rhythm in 2020.