Le'Veon Bell sure seems happy with how his highly-anticipated foray into free agency played out. In the wake of agreeing to terms on a mutli-year deal with the New York Jets on Tuesday, the former Pittsburgh Steelers superstar – by way of Michigan State, remember – expressed his joy at being “back in the green” on social media.
I’m back in the green baby, let’s get it
— Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell) March 13, 2019
The “green” that Bell mentions is certainly in reference to colors of the Jets and Spartans, who share a style scheme dominated by rich green and stark white. Bell first rose to national prominence at the top of the decade with Michigan State, rushing for 1,793 yards during his final season in East Lansing before entering the 2012 NFL draft as an underclassman.
Of course, Bell is also likely alluding to the fact that he finally has a lucrative long-term contract after being franchise tagged by the Pittsburgh Steelers each of the previous two seasons. The six-year veteran agreed to a four-year, $52 million deal with New York, including a running back record $35 million in guarantees.
Back in the green, indeed.
The Steelers announced in late February that they had opted against using the franchise tag on Bell for a third consecutive season, effectively ending his tenure with the team. He sat out the entirety of the 2018 season after Pittsburgh designated him with the franchise tag for the second year in a row.
Bell notched career-highs in rushes, rushing touchdowns, and catches in 2017, finishing his latest season with 321 carries for 1,291 yards and nine scores while adding 85 receptions for 655 yards and two touchdowns.
