No player will send more seismic shockwaves through the RotoWorld than the NFL’s pinnacle workhorse, Le’Veon Bell. While his year-long holdout may have rubbed many the wrong way, Bell remains a transcendental talent who can shoulder an entire offense. He offers immense versatility as one of the league’s top-three receiving backs, alongside a bulldozer build with arguably the best rushing patience and vision in the game. Bell, who led the league with 406 touches when last on the field, wasn’t locked into a Top-Two selection in 2018 drafts without reason.
Considering his $17 million a season, $45 million guaranteed contract demands, Bell is likely to find workhorse volume wherever he lands — no team’s shelling out this money without the intention to ride him for 350+ touches. He’s likely to be a 2019 first-rounder on Talent and Usage alone, while ruining the value of any backfield mates around him. The Surrounding Talent and Coaching Scheme will determine just how high he ultimately goes.
Rumored Landing Spots: Jets, Bucs, Eagles
Flush with cap-space, the Jets have been endlessly linked to Bell. Yet, reports vary greatly, with some labeling New York the “undeniable favorites” while others say the team has “little interest.” Though supposedly ascending, this overall offense remains a question mark and the line is abysmal. Bell would certainly have a clear path to usage, but Adam Gase has always been sketchy with his RBs.
The Eagles also make minimal sense, considering they’re the pinnacle of a committee backfield. If Doug Pederson does pursue Bell, he’d almost assuredly abandon his RBBC ways, and this overall line and offense drip in appeal. However, the Bucs present the near perfect spot. Bruce Arians’ attack peaks with a bulldozing and versatile back, ala David Johnson in 2016. Amidst an explosive overall offense, Bell would approach Johnson’s ungodly 2,100 total yards, 20 TDs, and 80 rec.
Ideal Spots: Chiefs, Bucs, Texans
Admittedly a pipedream, Bell would be the ultimate weapon inside the league’s ultimate juggernaut in Kansas City. Andy Reid peppers his backs, plus boxes would be light and the scoring chances bountiful with Patrick Mahomes under center.
Still, the Bucs remain a close-second. The offense drips in weaponry, and Arians has made monsters of similar talents. Fingers crossed their rumored interest is real.
Don’t count out the Texans, either. Similarly, Bill O’Brien loves riding a back with strong vision and receiving chops, and the team’s depth chart is wholly uninspiring. This offense should be among the most explosive in the league, and Bell could be an ideal centerpiece.
