The season isn't close to starting, and the New York Jets are already engulfed in drama. Adam Gase has already ruffled plenty of feathers in his brief time as head coach, and he recently ousted general manager Mike Maccagnan. Soon after Maccagnan's firing, word leaked to the media that Gase opposed the signing of Le'Veon Bell.

Bell was the team's big offseason acquisition, so this news was awkward to say the least. Bell has said it won't effect him, but it's another headache the team doesn't need. Meanwhile, Bell has been raising eyebrows by staying away from the team's voluntary offseason workouts and not reporting for OTAs.

Defensive tackle Steve McClendon, one of the team's leaders, revealed recently that he tried to convince Bell to report.

“I talked to him and I told him, ‘You understand this place is different than Pittsburgh,’” McLendon said, per Andy Vasquez of Northjersey.com. “I said, ‘You need to get back so you can understand the quarterback and the situation.’ … I told him, ‘The media is gonna get you if you don’t come back.’ That’s the truth. I did tell him that.”

Article Continues Below
More New York Jets News
New York Jets Head Coach Aaron Glenn, is shown as he speaks during a press conference, at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center, Monday, January 27, 2025, in Florham Park. Glenn spoke about not just getting the Jets to a winning record but to sustain them as a championship caliber team.
Aaron Rodgers’ ouster a sign of things to come for JetsMike Gianakos ·
Isaiah Davis, Jets
2 Jets hidden gems on 2025 roster you need to knowDouglas Fritz ·
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) is shown after he led Gang Green to a 32-20 victory against the Miami Dolphins.
Steelers, Jets would make Week 1 history if Aaron Rodgers signsBenjamin Adducchio ·
Detroit Lions pass game coordinator Tanner Engstrand watches practice at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Friday, Jan. 3, 2025.
New Jets OC Tanner Engstrand gives 5 keys offense is ‘shooting for’Ben Strauss ·
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) warms up before an AFC wild card game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.
‘Great’ take by Jets’ Justin Fields will have Bears, Steelers fans raising eyebrowsDouglas Fritz ·
jets, Arian Smith
1 New York Jets rookie who stood out most in 2025 minicamp’Garrett Kerman ·

That being said, McClendon also made it clear he isn't going to hold it against Bell for staying away.

“I know there’s been a lot of people saying, ‘Why is he not here? Because he was paid,’” he said. “Listen, man, he’s not an All-Pro, Pro Bowl running back for no reason. Sometimes people prepare differently. Would we love him here? Yes. But when he comes here and he’s rocking and rolling and helping us get to where we want to go this season, ain’t nobody going to be thinking about it. And I know I’m not.”

McClendon is probably right. A similar situation is unfolding in Cleveland, where local media has been griping about Odell Beckham Jr. not showing up for OTAs. Once both players show up and actually get back to playing football, everybody will forget about this non-controversy.