2014 NFL Free Agency: Lions Sign RB Joique Bell to two-year deal

With the free agent bonanza about to kick off in a few hours, teams are scrambling to make sure they retain key players before they hit the open market. The Detroit Lions just kept one of their own in the fold, signing running back Joique Bell to a 2-year deal, according to ESPN sources.

The deal is reportedly worth $7 million, with $4.3 being guaranteed for the sixth-year running back out of Wayne State.

Bell is someone the Lions wanted to hang onto, both for football and financial reasons. Bell was key in spelling starter Reggie Bush, rushing for a career-high 650 yards and eight touchdowns.

As a restricted free agent, Bell would have been able to negotiate with any team when the 2014 NFL free agency period begins at 4 p.m. today, but had he signed with another team it would have cost the team signing him a second round draft pick in compensation to the Lions.