There has been a lot of talk about the New York Jets wanting to move on from Le’Veon Bell this offseason, and general manager Joe Douglas admitted on Tuesday that they are at least open to trading the star running back.
Bell has three years remaining on the massive contract he signed with the Jets last offseason, and Douglas praised him for his professionalism in his first season in New York. However, the GM said he is not going to turn teams away if they are interested in a potential trade involving Bell.
Joe Douglas on the idea of trading Le’Veon Bell: “If teams call, I will listen” pic.twitter.com/A0verQ1u7D
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) December 31, 2019
Jets head coach Adam Gase was asked on Monday if he wants Bell back with the team in 2020, and all he said is that Bell is under contract for three more seasons and to direct any trade talk questions to Douglas. Bell later responded with a cryptic tweet.
Bell had just 789 rushing yards and three touchdowns this season, and Gase refused to funnel his offense through him even though he was one of the best players in football during his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers. There were reports before the season that Gase never wanted to sign Bell in the first place, so it would not be a shock if the coach is pushing the Jets to trade him.
Bell is entering only the second year of a four-year, $52.5 million deal, so the trade market for him may not be robust. Teams aren’t usually anxious to pay a player that type of money in addition to surrendering significant draft capital.
