What Le’Veon Bell signing means for Clyde Edwards-Helaire

Meet your new 1-2 combination in the NFL’s best backfield

Two things must have entered Le’Veon Bell’s mind Thursday afternoon: a chance at a ring or a chance for more cash. Ultimately, money can buy plenty, but a Super Bowl ring isn’t one of them.

Less than three days after being released by the New York Jets, Bell has found his new home in the midwest. According to reports via ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the three-time Pro Bowler will sign a one-year contract with the Kansas City Chiefs. Earlier, Bell stated he was down to three teams and prior to his signing, was looking to either join Kansas City or the Miami Dolphins.

And while Chiefs fans are ringing the bells in the NFL cathedral, the rest of the league is screaming ‘c’mon, not again’ to the football gods above for giving the Super Bowl favorites their own secret standout.

Bell, 28, never performed like his All-Pro self in two seasons with the Jets. Perhaps that’s due to poor play calling or a mundane offensive line — both of which will be upgraded in Arrowhead Stadium. While the money will be significantly cheaper, Bell believes his best chance to hoist a Lombardi Trophy will be in Andy Reid’s system for the impending year.

Naturally, people will freak at their fantasy rosters wondering how Bell’s arrival will deplete carries from rookie Clyde Edwards-Helarie. Sure, the rookie runner from the Bayou will be limiting his workload, but why is that such a problem?

Who says more reps equals greater production?

Instead, Bell and Edwards-Helarie’s skills might be a perfect combination for Kansas City to contain their contender status.

Bell will help the Chiefs in an era Edwards-Helaire struggled

The Chiefs offense hasn’t missed a beat, even without the real Super Bowl hero Damien Williams seeing time. Williams, who opted out for the 2020 season with concerns of COVID-19, acted as the team’s primary receiving running back on their way to a title with 7.2 yards per catch. Still, Kansas City continues to put up points with Patrick Mahomes calling the shots, averaging 28.2 points per game.

Edwards-Helarie trampled over the Texans defense in the season opener, but since has cooled after the first turn to an average of 51.5 yards over the past four games. Neither secondary option of Darrell Williams or Darwin Thompson has been effective, with the ladder barely seeing playing time since Week 3 against the Ravens.

Bell, who showed his workhorse mentality in the Steel City, averaged a career 4.2 yards per carry while donning the yellow and black. He also was an effective pass protector while finding the end zone 46 times combined on the ground and air.

Prior to his holdout in 2018, many would consider Bell the most well-rounded running back in the league thanks to his 8.5 yards after the catch as a receiver.

That’s where Bell will fit alongside CHE instead of straight-up replacing him.

In five games, Edwards-Helarie has been targeted 27 times, but only tallied `17 catches. In the open field, he’s averaged 9.9 yards per catch but has yet to find the end zone. Even in Bell’s minute role with Adam Gase’s lack of passing, he’s made the most of his receptions, averaging 13 yards per catch.

The Chiefs will likely rely on Bell more as the receiving threat they need to enhance the offense. Edwards-Helarie still should see his average of 16 carries per game, but Eric Bienemy now can deal them out in situations that help the team keep drives alive. With Bell, the Chiefs add a dual-threat option who could see carries on third and short, or be a reliable swing option if pressure arrives up the middle.

In five seasons with the Steelers, Bell rushed for 5,336 yards and 35 touchdowns. That was behind one of the more high-level offensive lines in the NFL. Since the start of the 2020 season, Kansas City’s front has allowed a grand total of six sacks, while also helping Edwards-Helarie and Co. remain a top 10 rushing attack. Add that with the No. 3 passing offense in the NFL and that just screams unfair.

Ultimately, Bell walks away a winner — but so do the Chiefs. In Reid’s system, Bell could prove his worth, earn another massive payday while still being paid by the Jets, and be a Super Bowl champ. Edwards-Helarie will stay fresh, keeping the wear and tear off his body, making him effective in the later winter months. And the Chiefs? Well, they just add another massive weapon to Mahomes arsenal.

The 1-2 combination in Kansas City’s backfield bodes well for a deep postseason run. Once again, Brett Veach strikes gold by pinching pennies for quality talent. Move over “Greatest Show on Turf”, there’s a new dangerous offense momma warned you about.

Now featuring; Hel’s Bells.