Le’Veon Bell is final piece of terrific Jets free agency
The New York Jets have been incredibly busy throughout the past week, and their efforts are likely finished after adding Le’Veon Bell.
It’s finally over. After Le’Veon Bell’s mixtape dropped at midnight on Tuesday, the 27-year-old running back officially came to terms with the New York Jets.
New York, which has been incredibly busy over the last 72 hours, landed it’s star.
The contract calls for four years and a total value of $61 million, with $35 million guaranteed, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. All told, the deal is a good one for the Jets, considering Bell is not only a top-five runner but an elite receiver out of the backfield.
Alongside Bell, the Jets have added a host of talented players to their roster since last weekend. General Manager Mike Maccagnan began his spree by trading for Oakland Raiders guard Kelechi Osemele, a move that, along with the free-agent signings, will become official on Wednesday.
On Monday, Maccagnan dove head-long into free agency. New York entered the tampering period with the second-most cap space in the league behind only the Indianapolis Colts, and immediately went to work. The Jets agreed to terms with receiver Jamison Crowder while also landing linebacker Anthony Barr of the Minnesota Vikings.
Early on Tuesday, the Jets secured inside linebacker C.J. Mosley for a whopping $17 million per year. Then, the stunner. Barr backed out and went back to Minnesota, a situation that could have sent New York reeling. Instead, the Jets rallied and by night’s end (or Wednesday morning, as it were on the east coast), landed Bell.
All told, New York is well-positioned to improve for 2019. The Jets have the third-overall pick in April’s draft, a clean cap situation and a head coach in Adam Gase who should pair well with second-year quarterback Sam Darnold.
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Unquestionably, there is still work to be done. The Jets are miles from catching up to the New England Patriots, but this is about the long game. New York can afford to slowly improve from here over the next few seasons as Bill Belichick and Tom Bray age themselves out of the league.
Signing Crowder and Bell gives Darnold real weapons. Trading for Osemele will help keep the interior of the pocket rigid. Bringing Mosley in provides the defense with a young anchor alongside Jamal Adams. It’s not the end of the plan, but the start of one.