NFL Free Agency Rumors: Detroit Lions, Joique Bell working on long term deal

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 already expressed their desire to bring restricted free agent running back Joique Bell back to the team in 2014.

The Lions apparently like Bell enough to sign him to a long-term deal.

According to a report from Dave Birkett of The Detroit Free Press, the Lions are trying to re-sign Bell before free agency officially begins.

Lions are working hard on a long-term deal for Joique Bell. Hope still is it gets done tomorrow before the start of free agency.
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) March 10, 2014

Bell is a restricted free agent so he'll be back either way, but Lions can save some cap room if they don't need to use RFA tender.
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) March 10, 2014

Bell went undrafted out of Wayne State in 2010. He joined the Buffalo Bills, Philadelphia Eagles (twice), Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints before finally finding a home with the Lions late in the 2011 season.

Last season, Bell rushed for 650 yards and eight touchdowns on 166 carries and had 547 yards on 53 receptions.

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