While the New York Jets may be the frontrunners to land free-agent running back Le'Veon Bell, a darkhorse team has come into the picture: the Chicago Bears.
According to Matt Verderame of FanSided, the Bears have “significant” interest in signing Bell.
Of course, money is going to play a big role here, as Chicago doesn't exactly have much cap room and Bell is reportedly seeking a deal worth somewhere in the neighborhood of $17 million annually.
The Bears have been trying to trade fellow running back Jordan Howard, so it certainly makes sense that they would have interest in Bell, who would instantly become the team's primary back ahead of Tarik Cohen.
Bell sat out the entire 2018 campaign due to a contract dispute with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He also held out through Week 1 of 2017, but in returned in Week 2 and ended up rushing for 1,291 yards and nine touchdowns while hauling in 85 receptions for 655 yards and a couple of scores en route to a Pro Bowl appearance and a First-Team All-Pro selection.
The 27-year-old, who played his collegiate football at Michigan State University, was originally selected by the Steelers in the second round (48th pick overall) of the 2013 NFL Draft.
He has made three trips to Honolulu and has earned First-Team All-Pro honors twice, most notably in 2014 when he racked up 1,361 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground while catching 83 passes for 854 yards and three scores.
The Bears are coming off of a 2018 campaign in which they won 12 games and lost to the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs.
