NFL Rumors: Detroit Lions, Joique Bell have mutual interest in contract extension

Dec 29, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Detroit Lions running back Joique Bell (35) carries the ball during the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

The Detroit Lions have a lot of talent on their roster, which is why it was so surprising to see them flounder in 2013 the way that they did. Not only do they have a franchise quarterback, a franchise wide receiver and franchise defensive tackle, but they have two starting caliber running backs in their backfield.

Reggie Bush is the headline back, but Joique Bell managed to steal a lot of his thunder last season, so much so that there is talk of a team possibly stealing him away from the Lions. Detroit placed a second-sound tender on Bell to make sure that doesn’t happen, and now the two sides seem to be hashing out a contract extension.

According to Tim Twentymen, the Lions and Bell have mutual interest in a long-term deal.

Bell also said he wants a long-term deal and not a restricted tag. He said there's mutual interest on both sides for that.
— Tim Twentyman (@ttwentyman) January 30, 2014

The Lions would be foolish to not consider this, as Reggie Bush isn’t going to be around forever and the team will need a young back for the future. Bell is a young back with plenty of tread left on the tires, which could lead to a long-term deal as soon as this offseason.

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