In a move that seemed to be the only logical end to an unhappy marriage, the New York Jets made the decision to release disgruntled running back Le’Veon Bell on Tuesday night.
Bell, who signed a 4-year, $52.5 million contract with the Jets in March 2019 which included $35 million in guaranteed money, has been cut loose after managing to play in just 17 games in one and a half seasons with the team.
The drama between Bell and the Jets didn’t take long to start after new head coach Adam Gase opposed the signing of the star player prior to the beginning of last season.
A mediocre first year in New York, in which Bell rushed for just 789 yards and 3 touchdowns behind a bad offensive line, didn’t help his standing with the team.
Bell was frustrated after the Jets and Gase made the decision to sign the free agent running back Frank Gore prior to the 2020 season, who has managed to get most of the playing time at the position.
The 28-year-old Bell met with Jets brass on Monday and expressed his desire to leave. While the team tried to find a potential trade partner for the running back, they were unable to do so, and simply decided to release him despite owing him $6 million for the rest of the season.
Bell is now a free agent and can sign with any team he wants.
