New York Jets: 5 reasons why Le’Veon Bell is an awesome signing

1. The Jets got a receiver and a running back for the price of one

Throughout Le’Veon Bell’s intense contract negotiations with the Pittsburgh Steelers last year, the former Michigan State standout did his best to argue that he isn’t just a “running back;” he’s an “offensive weapon” who should be paid as a hybrid between a receiver and a running back.

Considering he isn’t the highest-paid back in the NFL, teams didn’t necessarily buy into that logic, but it doesn’t change the fact that Bell’s production as a pass-catcher is tremendous.

He’s had three career seasons with at least 75 receptions, including a 2017 campaign as a First-Team All-Pro (yes, the second time he earned that difficult distinction) when he had 85 receptions and an 80.2 percent catch rate. That made him 10th in the league in receptions, and he and Alvin Kamara were the only players with 80 receptions and an 80.0 percent catch rate.

Bell was even more dynamic in his initial First-Team All-Pro campaign in 2014, averaging a whopping 10.3 yards per reception; he is one of only six running backs in NFL history to have 80 receptions and 10.0 yards per reception in the same season.

Those numbers indicate that Bell, who is versatile with his pass-catching ability and can even line up in the slot, is able to produce wide receiver-lite numbers, in addition to his exceptional work as a 1,200-yard rusher with a nose for the end zone.

The New York Jets didn’t sign Bell on the cheap, but they did get a true hybrid player who can help this offense in every facet imaginable. With a talented young quarterback; a new head coach in Adam Gase; and only three notable pass-catching options in Enunwa, Anderson, and tight end Chris Herndon, Bell was a vital acquisition for the Jets franchise.