When news of running back Jay Ajayi’s season-ending torn ACL broke Monday afternoon, the attention of the NFL world turned to whether the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles might look to trade for Le’Veon Bell.
Having been linked to Bell over the past several weeks, it seemed to make a ton of sense. Ajayi had cemented his role as Philadelphia’s starting running back prior to going down with the torn ACL on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Eagles’ depth at running back had taken a hit with injuries to other ball-carriers.
Unfortunately for fans in the City of Brotherly Love, it doesn’t look like Philadelphia will in fact acquire Bell.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Eagles have not pursued Bell and have no plans to go after him prior to the Oct. 30 trade deadline.
Eagles restructured contract of Pro-Bowl DT Fletcher Cox on Friday, creating $6.5 million more of cap space this season and $11.7 million more next season, sources tell @mortreport and me. But Eagles have not pursued a trade for Le’Veon Bell and have no plans to, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 8, 2018
The caveat here is rather obvious. By restructuring Fletcher Cox’s contract and saving $6.5 million against this year’s cap, it seems the Eagles might be looking to add someone prior to the trade deadline. In fact, the $11.7 million cap savings for next season would also suggest said target might be on a long-term deal.
Who could it be? Well, that’s anyone’s guess outside of the Eagles’ front office. But here’s one possible suggestion.
The rumor has been out there for a while that the eagles are interested in Le'veon Bell…. but don't be surprised if they're also inquiring about Arizona RB David Johnson.
— Derrick Gunn (@RealDGunn) October 8, 2018
Either way, it doesn’t look like Bell will become a member of the Eagles this season. That doesn’t mean GM Howie Roseman and Co. don’t have something up their sleeves.