Crazy how things can change in a year and a month. In February of 2018, Le'Veon Bell, the newest member of the New York Jets, tweeted that $60 million wouldn't be enough to join the franchise.
However, last night the running back signed with New York on a four year, $52.5 million deal, with $35 million guaranteed and the possibility to go as high as $61 million with incentives.
And a few hours later a certain tweet was nowhere to be found.
Bell sat out all of 2018 after the Steelers franchise tagged him for a second time, believing that he would be able to cash in big after hitting free agency. Bell assumed that he'd easily make back the $14 million he lost out on by not playing on the tag last year. However, the running back market may be at it's lowest point, and the Jets were the only team to seriously pursue Bell.
Although rumors existed, the Baltimore Ravens and Oakland Raiders—who just traded for Bell's former teammate Antonio Brown—never really materialized as actual suitors.
Bell will make less per year, $13.125 million than he was slated to make under the franchise tag last year. In September, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported that Bell walked away from an offer from the Steelers that would have paid him $48 million in the first three years.
Bell now becomes the centerpiece of the Jet's offense. He'll serve as the focal point for an offense run by second-year quarterback Sam Darnold and new head coach Adam Gase. The Jets also signed former Washington wide receiver Jamison Crowder for three years and $28.5 million, with $17 million fully guaranteed.
New York was also close to signing Minnesota linebacker Anthony Barr, who backed out of a deal with the Jets to instead stay with the Vikings.
Regardless, signing Bell likely makes the Jets one of free agency's biggest winners thus far.
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