Signing Le’Veon Bell is a double edge move for Buccaneers

Le’Veon Bell is not what he used to be, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers need help, and thus, he is on their roster, yet questions still remain. 

After multiple injuries to several offensive playmakers, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers headed to the free-agent market and signed running back Le’Veon Bell.

Now reunited with former Steelers teammate Antonio Brown, Bell will look to help Tampa’s struggling offense, which, under quarterback Tom Brady, posted a goose egg on Sunday Night Football against the Saints recently.

However, it bears mentioning that Bell is not the same back he once was. He looks a bit broken down, and his off-the-field comments, notably towards Andy Reid, have left a sour taste in people’s mouths.

Moreover, if Leonard Fournette returns from IR in time for the playoffs and Bell’s role diminishes, how would he feel about that? It’s part of a long list of questions that have complicated answers.

Le’Veon Bell can still play football, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers need to use him wisely to maximize his skills

At one point in time, Le’Veon Bell was among the game’s best running backs due to his running and pass-catching abilities. However, since he signed with the New York Jets, it has not been the same. Though he spent time in Kansas City last season, he didn’t see the field in the postseason.

Now, he will likely take on a more significant role in Tampa Bay. Should the defending champs reach the postseason and their injured players, outside of Chris Godwin, return, what will Bell’s role ultimately end up being? It’ll be an interesting dilemma for offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich.

On paper, this looks like an interesting move, but ultimately, the results on the field matter more than typed words on a sheet. Suppose Bell thrives, good for him. If not, well, that’s on him and where he ends up afterward remains to be seen. For now, he’s on the team, and they are off to Carolina.