New York Jets head coach Adam Gase dove a bit into the reasoning of Le'Veon Bell's release from the team.
Gase explained how both sides looked for the best solution for both Bell and the team:
Gase on Bell: “That was a consensus we came to last night. Spoke with him. For us we felt it was best we part ways. Gives him an opportunity to go somewhere else.” #Jets
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) October 14, 2020
Prior to Bell being released, the Jets looked at possibly trading the running back in order to avoid letting him walk. The Michigan State University product had recently voiced his displeasure with his role on offense through “likes” on Twitter.
The climax of the nearly two-year standoff came in Week 5 against the Arizona Cardinals, prompting Bell's sly Twitter tirade following the game. Bell and Gase were never quite on the same page, seeing as how the running back was brought on against the coach's wishes. Bell also didn't live up to expectations after his signing, a controversial topic that's not alone his fault.
Gase addressed Bell's usage on Wednesday:
Adam Gase said the perception that he misused Bell is “irrelevant” #Jets
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) October 14, 2020
The Jets are 0-5 through their first five games of the season, and releasing Bell almost certainly isn't going to change anything about their struggles. There are plenty of issues throughout the team, including with Gase himself. It's almost shocking that the head coach hasn't been given his walking papers, but a report earlier this season suggested he wasn't in danger of getting fired this year. That remains to be seen.
Bell will be eligible to sign with another team on Wednesday. The 28-year-old had just 19 carries for 74 yards in two games with the Jets this season and didn't score a touchdown. He also had three catches for 39 yards.
Throughout his entire tenure with the Jets, Bell only averaged 3.3 yards per carry, a number that will hopefully increase should he find a team willing to use his talents in a more preferable system.
Follow Us
Subscribe