According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, star running back Le'Veon Bell has agreed to a four-year deal with the New York Jets worth $52 million.
Le’Veon Bell: 4 years, $52.5 million with the Jets, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2019
Schefter went on to report that Bell's contract has a max value of $61 million, and it includes $35 million in guaranteed money. After the New York's deal with Anthony Barr fell through, the team increased their offer for Bell on Tuesday. The former Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro kept his options as the day went in, and the San Francisco 49ers reportedly made a “serious push” for Bell before the Jets increased their offer.
In addition to the 49ers, New York also faced competition from the Baltimore Ravens and Chicago Bears in the Bell sweepstakes before ultimately coming out on top.
The Jets have been active in free agency as they utilize possessing the second-most cap space in the NFL, only trailing the Indianapolis Colts heading into the offseason. In addition to Bell, New York has signed Pro Bowl linebacker C.J. Mosley and wide receiver Jamison Crowder while trading for guard Kelechi Osemele.
Bell has been connected to the Jets in rumors dating back to last year when it became clear he'd hold out from the Steelers again and likely find a new team in the 2019 offseason. BetOnline.ag named the Jets the betting favorite to land Bell just last week, and a number of reporters and columnists, including Peter King, predicted that Bell would ultimately land in the Big Apple.
Bell passed on $14.5 million last season by not playing on a second franchise tag, and the contract offer he turned down from Pittsburgh in 2018 was worth $70 million over five years, including $33 million in “rolling guarantees.”
Mentioned yesterday the #Steelers final offer to RB Le’Veon Bell was 5 years, $70M. More context today: The fully guaranteed part was his signing bonus of just over $10M. He would’ve made $33M over the 1st two years — in a rolling guaranteed structure. $45M over the 1st 3 years.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 17, 2018
Money aside, Bell's arrival in New York gives now second-year quarterback Sam Darnold and new head coach Adam Gase one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the game.
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