The New York Jets are stuck between a rock and a hard place as it relates to Le’Veon Bell this offseason.
By now it’s well known that Jets head coach Adam Gase does not see Bell as a long-term fit in his offense. Coming off a career-worst season, the former All-Pro performer is also set to count a combined $44 million against the cap over the next three years.
Adding another layer to this, ESPN’s Rich Cimini notes that the Jets’ brass feels Bell gained weight last season.
To an extent, this would explain why Bell averaged a career-low 3.2 yards per rush and put up less than 800 yards on the ground in 2019.
Unfortunately for the Jets, it’s going to be extremely hard to move on from Bell. While reports suggest that they will look to trade him, no other team is taking on his $15.47 million cap hit in 2020.
New York would also incur a $17 million dead cap hit by releasing Bell. That’s not going to happen.
The good news here is that Bell is excited about returning to Jersey next season. Maybe he’ll get in better shape and prove naysayers wrong, including some within the Jets’ organization.