Le’Veon Bell wants to continue his playing career in 2021, but he’s not exactly endearing himself to teams that might be interested in his services. Bell commented on a recent Instagram post by RapTV — a post concerning someone’s outlandish McDonald’s bill — and fellow commenters began asking him questions about his NFL future (h/t Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk).
In one of his responses, Bell said, “I’ll never play for [Chiefs head coach] Andy Reid again. I’d retire first.” Of course, Bell joined up with Reid’s Chiefs following his release from the Jets last October, and he ended up appearing in nine regular season games (two starts). He tallied 63 carries for 254 yards (4.0 YPC), and added 13 catches for 99 yards. However, he did not see the field in the AFC Championship game or the Super Bowl.
The nature of Bell’s beef with Reid is unclear, though the coach’s decision to keep him on the sidelines for KC’s two biggest postseason contests probably explains some (or all) of the animosity. Still, publicly airing grievances against one of the most respected and affable head coaches in the league is probably not in Bell’s best interests.
He recently cited his lack of usage with the Jets as the reason for his regression from his halcyon days in Pittsburgh, though his 311 touches in 2019 — his first and only full season in the Meadowlands — were the eighth-highest total in the league that year. He was tremendous with the Steelers in 2017, piling up nearly 2,000 scrimmage yards and 11 TDs en route to his second First Team All-Pro bid, but he sat out all of 2018 due to his infamous contract dispute with Pittsburgh, so he is now three years removed from his best work. As far as we know, neither the Chiefs nor any other club have expressed interest in Bell in 2021.
Obviously, Bell’s underwhelming performance with the Jets is at least partly attributable to the dearth of offensive talent on Gang Green’s roster (including the O-line), and the fact that he is still only 29 and hasn’t run up the odometer too much in recent years theoretically makes him an attractive option for any number of clubs. His inability to generate any interest on the open market could be indicative of what teams think about his fit in a locker room, and comments like those he made about Reid aren’t helping his cause.
Seriously…..I think he still has plenty of value and gas in the tank. He’s basically sat out two full seasons for various reasons.
The Steelers should take a flyer on him. They can let him mentor Najee on the field…and stay away from him off the field. Lol!
I don’t think pit would touch him, honestly. He didn’t have a good exit in Pit & if touches are an issue, which they have been the past two stops for him, he will want a majority of them which will be going to Harris/Snell. If they want a mentor, bring in Frank Gore!
I’m guessing his contract demands will price him out of any teams plans. Just a guess
bighouseblue –
I can only say that I hope to god that you are trolling.
I wish he would stop being a drama queen!! Everywhere he goes he has drama!! I have a suggestion Mr.Bell how about you just shut up and play.
“Drama-Bi**H” more like it!
I’m from KC, I will say this, I was obviously not in on the negotiating session between Chiefs, Bell and his Agent, lol, I do not agree with how Bell or even McCoy was used when each player here. So I will accept his gripe about playing time and lack of here in KC. But to take a jab at Reid like he did, it’s quite clear the other remaining 31 teams and head coaches do NOT want Bell either and do not think much of his abilities any longer. U r rite he needs to keep his mouth shut
I bet he regrets sitting that yr out now he’s gotta feel stupid now
Hes becoming elite at blaming other people for his problems.
Bell maybe has some play left but he’s a DIVA. You know. I’m somebody syndrome. If I don’t like the teams situation I’ll hold my breath and take my ball home! When your off field drama is more than your play…..it’s time to sell shaving cream or lite beer!
Good news….USL is returning so LeVeon will have a whole new group of teams to alienate
nutjob
Most ball handlers dream about playing for Andy Reid.
Really think the Steelers should have a talk with him. Yeah they drafted najee but they have no real veteran RB on that roster.
There are other veteran options at RB who can play a part time role in the offense who aren’t troublemakers. Bell has had a problem everywhere he’s been now, last thing you need is a diva attitude from a RB who’s not even your main guy. Andy Reid probably hasn’t thought of this guy once since the start of the offseason
If rather have AD who yes is older but still efficient and effective that Bell, not to mention Peterson is a great mentor and teammate,
Also worth mention Najee has been offseason training with Adrian, and AD has expressed interest in Pittsburgh.
I didn’t say it must be bell but he knows the offense for most part. But one way or another they need a vet. How many 3rd and 1 plays turned into pass plays cause they couldn’t rely on the line or a RB fight for a yard. To me even with a bad line a RB has to know how to fight for 1 yard
Brand new offense this year, 90% different O-line…but sure. Basically you are saying he knows Ben.
TJECK109 –
A talk about what? He’s certainly not playable or at least starter material at this point. His career is over, and I think everyone knows it except him and apparently you.
Bell seems like he would be Matt Kemp. Only plays well in one uniform. He should go back to PIT.
amk1920 –
You think Pitt would take him back? Even for free?
Lol retire man…. No one is going to sign you, chiefs never considered resigning you
Does this mean Andy Reid won’t be served at Dairy Queen when Bell goes back to work there?
Why would ANYONE wanted anything to do with this drama? It don’t matter how much mileage you got left or how cheap he could be picked up, he will simply be a cancer to any clubhouse he is in. If I was a team in need of a RB that can still get you some yardage and more importantly be a good clubhouse guy, I’d sign AP or Gurley. Reid is respected more than almost any other coach and I think Mr. Mouth will end up sorely regretting talking smack about a coach through Social Media. If your such a big dawg LB, why don’t you say something that’s NOT through someone else once in awhile? Enjoy your forced retirement princess!
Niners should sign him with Wilson out. No chance Mostert stays healthy all 17 games
This is me playing the world’s smallest violin. Mike Tomlin has to be a hell of a coach to have dealt with this nutjob along with Antonio Brown at the same time. Just the thought of it would send most men to the loony bin.
I doubt that Reid is real broken up about losing Bell’s services. Dude just might have a problem finding another job in the NFL. Hope he hasn’t foolishly blown through all the money he has earned, although I’ll admit that I would not be at all surprised if he has. Best of luck, Le’Veon.
Self destruction at it’s finest…or worst.
I think a fun experiment would be to get Aaron Rodgers, Antonio Brown, and Le’Veon Bell together on the same team. That would be reality TV at it’s finest!
Probably get fired when the 3 queens cant
make it to half-time. Bring Jim Harbaugh back has the coach. Haha
“Pitt is terrible… The Jets are terrible… Screw Andy Reid…”
How does he not see that HE is the problem??
Bell wouldn’t have even seen the field if Edwards-Helaire hadn’t gotten banged up, as he was averaging almost 1/2 yard less per rushing attempt than any other RB on the team.
The market for 29 year old running backs is a thin one, especially for guys who could poison a locker room.
The “dearth of O-line talent” with the Jets was true when Bell was there, but, with Mt. Becton and AVT, it isn’t now. If his problem was Gase and not JD, he probably could have an opportunity for a low level contract there if he wanted it.
This busted ass player trying to make excuses at every turn. Sorry your body gave out when your ego took over. System player and nothing more.