Le’Veon Bell signs with defending champion Chiefs, loading offense even more

Le’Veon Bell has signed with the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs.

On Tuesday, it was announced that Le’Veon Bell would be released from the New York Jets after two years and less than 900 yards rushing. Two days later, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Bell would be signing with the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs.

Initially, it came down to three teams including Miami and Buffalo, but Bell chose to sign with Kansas City instead.

Bell is coming off of two years with the Jets after signing a big contract in 2019 with $27 million in guarantees. Unfortunately, while the green he wore in college helped him become a star, the green in New York only hindered him as he never reached the same level of success that he enjoyed in Pittsburgh.

Le’Veon Bell does more good than bad for the Chiefs as another offensive weapon.

Now that he is in Kansas City, he has an opportunity to prove why he truly is a great running back and not just a product of the Steelers way or a broken-down back after his time with the Jets. Head coach Andy Reid will surely incorporate Bell into every game plan and success might not be far away then. The Chiefs already have a load of weapons and adding Bell is just a bonus.

Since he was drafted out of Michigan State in 2013, Bell has been a productive workhorse in the NFL and a reliable option. Not only was he a star in Pittsburgh, but the value of the running back took a positive turn thanks to his productivity in Pittsburgh.

His departure from the Black and Gold was largely over a lack of money, as he was placed on the franchise tag twice before sitting out the 2018 season over a contract dispute. In his defense, he had earned his pay. With over 5,300 yards and 35 touchdowns on the ground, combined with over 2,600 yards and seven touchdowns through the air, he deserved his money after what he produced for Pittsburgh.

Unfortunately, as if often the case with the Jets, success was far from attainable for a player like Bell. However, everyone does deserve a second chance, especially if they were in an uncomfortable situation.

There is no doubt that Bell has to take advantage of this opportunity, else his next free agency visit might be a bit longer. For now, though, he has a team to play for while also having an opportunity to face the Jets down the road as Kansas City takes on New York in Week 8. Who knows? Maybe he will have a great day against his former team. That, however, is up to him.