When the New York Jets signed running back Le'Veon Bell to a four-year deal last March, the general expectation was that Bell would play a significant role in the Jets' offense.
That didn't happen.
Head coach Adam Gase did not utilize Bell properly all season, resulting in the three-time Pro Bowler rushing for just 789 yards and three touchdowns while averaging a meager 3.2 yards per carry.
When asked about how he will use Bell in 2020, Gase said that he thinks keeping him fresh is key:
“I do think we have some guys that can help maybe lessen the load on [Bell] to where it's not all on him,” Gase said, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN.com. “Hopefully, we can get some of the younger backs to where we can make a good one-two punch to where we can really excel instead of feeling like it's just all on him all the time.”
There had been plenty of speculation at the end of 2019 that New York could potentially trade Bell, but apparently, Gase and Bell hashed out their differences after the season.
Bell, who played his collegiate football at Michigan State, was originally selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round (48th pick overall) of the 2013 NFL Draft.
He spent his first six years in Pittsburgh, earning a couple of First-Team All-Pro selections in addition to his trio of Pro Bowl appearances. However, in 2018, Bell sat out the entire season due to a contract dispute.
The 28-year-old then proceeded to join the Jets.
We'll see if Gase's strategy leads to Bell enjoying a more productive year next season.
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