The New York Jets and Le’Veon Bell can finally close the chapter on a bad relationship which was doomed from the start.
On Tuesday, the Jets announced their decision to release the 28-year-old running back. The team’s official statement included their belief of this being the best decision for both parties.
It’s also the only move which made any sense since Bell’s arrival 19 months ago.
First, let’s talk about the money. Because, no matter what, it’s always about the money.
Bell has $6 million remaining on his 2020 base salary, that’s fully guaranteed money for him. He also has a $1 million roster bonus due, this Thursday. Tom Pelissero, of the NFL Network, also reported Bell’s $8 million base salary for 2021 was guaranteed only for injury.
The injury guarantee in Bell’s contract made it virtually impossible for the Jets to move him with a trade. No NFL team, in their right mind, is willing to risk that. The fear being if Bell suffers a serious injury this season.
So, the Jets did what they felt they had to do and release Bell. In doing so, both sides can get as far away from one another as possible.
What we’ve come to realize is how much of a mess this was from the moment Bell signed his four-year, $52.5 million contract in 2019.
The general manager that signed Bell, Mike Maccagnan, was fired two months later. And the head coach, Adam Gase, reportedly didn’t want Bell in the first place.
Gase and Bell never were able to get on the same page and, frankly, both are deserving of blame for that.
Looking forward, Bell gets to move on with his NFL career. He’ll have the opportunity to sign with a contending team and prove he can still be an impact player.
The Jets, meanwhile, must still deal with their present before looking ahead to the future. There’s one problem still in the room, and that’s Adam Gase.
General manager Joe Douglas will have his hands full after this season with rebuilding the roster. The Jets, at 0-5, are on pace for another historically bad season. Their young franchise quarterback is either on the team right now or possibly in the 2021 NFL draft class. There’s plenty of work to do for Douglas.
Per Spotrac, with the release of Bell, the Jets will have just 35 players under contract for 2021. If the salary cap drops to $175 million, they’ll have an estimated $81 million to work with as of today.
But, before Douglas even begins spending any of that projected cash, this team’s ownership needs to do the right thing and show Gase the door.
Le’Veon Bell didn’t factor into the plans anymore, he never really did. And neither should Adam Gase.
Releasing Bell only amplifies the inept job done by Gase. Injuries played a role in Bell’s poor performance with the Jets. A below-average offensive line also didn’t help matters. Gase, however, failed to find alternative ways to utilize Bell’s playmaking abilities. That’s part of his job as the head coach and playcaller for the offense.
Jamal Adams couldn’t get away quick enough. And now, four months later, Bell has escaped for better days elsewhere. These are All-Pro players walking out the door and, meanwhile, Gase still has a working keycard.
The Jets’ ownership and Douglas will have an opportunity in the offseason to begin cleaning up yet another mess.
There’s still one problem left in the room.
Image: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
