The New York Jets released running back Le’Veon Bell Tuesday night, per a statement from general manager Joe Douglas.
The marriage that was doomed from the start has finally reached divorce. The New York Jets have released Le’Veon Bell.
General manager Joe Douglas made the statement Tuesday night per the team’s official Twitter account and for immediate release.
Statement from GM Joe Douglas pic.twitter.com/By9XevVXVv
— New York Jets (@nyjets) October 14, 2020
“After having conversations with Le’Veon and his agent and exploring potential trade options over the past couple of days, we have made the decision to release Le’Veon. The Jets organization appreciates Le’Veon’s efforts during his time here and we know he worked hard to make significant contributions to this team. We believe this decision is in the best interests of both parties and wish him future success.”
Bell, 28, signed a four-year, $52.5 million deal during the 2019 offseason while Mike Maccagnan was still at the helm. Upon Maccagnan’s firing, rumors started to swirl that Adam Gase never wanted the All-Pro back.
By the time Joe Douglas came to town, a veteran back with no offensive line made for a terrible match.
In 17 career games with the Jets, Bell tallied 863 yards and three touchdowns on a 3.3 yards-per-carry mark. He also went for 500 yards and a touchdown on 69 total receptions.
Earlier in the day, reports surfaced that the Jets were interested in trading Bell. The endpoint in the marriage seemingly happened after Sunday’s 30-10 loss to the Arizona Cardinals when Bell took to social media to like several tweets that suggested Gase misused the back. He even liked one tweet that suggested the Jets trade him.
Releasing Bell instead of going the trade route hurts the Jets much more financially. Bell was also owed a $1 million roster bonus this coming Thursday.
Bell’s reaction to the trade was one of gratitude and motivation:
🙏🏾
— Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell) October 14, 2020
got a lot to prove. i’m ready to go. pic.twitter.com/oDqBM62JfN
— Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell) October 14, 2020
