Fansided

Le’Veon Bell prefers to play with Miami Dolphins

By Matt Verderame

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 10: Pittsburgh Steelers Running Back Le'Veon Bell (26) looks on during the game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 10, 2017 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pa. (Photo by Mark Alberti/ Icon Sportswire)
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 10: Pittsburgh Steelers Running Back Le'Veon Bell (26) looks on during the game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 10, 2017 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pa. (Photo by Mark Alberti/ Icon Sportswire) /
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Although free agency remains more than a month away, FanSided has learned that Le’Veon Bell would prefer to sign with the Miami Dolphins.

All things being equal, Le’Veon Bell wants to play for the Miami Dolphins. A source with knowledge the situation has told FanSided of Bell’s desire to sign with the Dolphins when the NFL free agency legal tampering period ends on March 13.

The question now is whether the Dolphins will have interest in Bell. Adisa Bakari, Bell’s agent, declined to comment when reached by FanSided.

Bell, 26, sat out all of last year after refusing to sign the franchise tag with the Pittsburgh Steelers for a second consecutive season. During his time away, the former Michigan State star spent ample time in Miami, something that was chronicled through social media and other outlets. The two-time All-Pro is also trying to grow his rap career and believes being in Miami would help him. accomplish that. With friends and connections in the area, along with great weather, Bell sees Miami as his preferred option.

Of course, the Dolphins would still need to both want Bell and pay him what other teams will be offering. Miami has an estimated $13.99 million in cap space, which means the Dolphins will have to be creative to afford Bell. That said, they could release quarterback Ryan Tannehill, which would open up $13.3 million. If Danny Amendola and Robert Quinn are jettisoned, that would be another $19 million for general manager Chris Grier to work with.

While there is concern around the league about his inactivity for a full season, Bell remains one of the game’s top backs and is considered a top free agent on the market. Miami has long been a star-driven market, and with there being a good chance that the Dolphins are going to be rebuilding in 2019, signing Bell would have significant box-office appeal.

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Before sitting out the 2018 season, Bell authored consecutive Pro Bowl seasons, notching more than 2,500 rushing yards and 20 total touchdowns.

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