Welcome back, Le'Veon Bell. In his debut for the New York Jets, the 27-year-old star running back scored a receiving touchdown on a pass from franchise quarterback Sam Darnold.
.@LeVeonBell's first official @nyjets TD 🙌#TakeFlight #BUFvsNYJ
📺: CBS
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— NFL (@NFL) September 8, 2019
Bell was the source of extreme media scrutiny this time last year when he decided to sit out the entire 2018 NFL season. When the Pittsburgh Steelers offered the three-time Pro-Bowl rusher a franchise-tagging contract, Bell opted to reject the deal and holdout for a long-term one. Pittsburgh, however, never mended the broken relationship and Bell found himself heading to free agency in the winter and spring after a well-rested 2018.
Article Continues BelowThe Jets signed Bell to a four-year contract worth $52.5 million in March earlier this year, bringing the dynamic back to their budding offense with Darnold, wideouts Robby Anderson and Quincy Enunwa, and fellow free-agent signing in veteran Jamison Crowder. So far in his Gang Green debut, Bell has over 90 all purpose yards, including that passing touchdown from a shoestring grab to give Darnold his first touchdown on the year.
Not to out-do himself, Bell was also Darnold's target on the team's next play—a two-yard conversion attempt, which ended up being successful as the 22-year-old Darnold evaded multiple incoming defensive lineman and lofted a pass in the back right end zone where Bell lifted for the extra score.
Le'Veon Bell has been a shaky model for star running backs threatening elongated holdouts for secure long-term contracts, Right now Los Angeles Chargers rusher Melvin Gordon appears to be holding out well into this season for a new deal.