Former New York Jets
running back Le'Veon Bell has signed with the
Kansas City Chiefs after the team let him go this week.
When the Jets signed Bell in 2019, there was excitement for
the struggling franchise, but over the course of just 19 months, the excitement
is turning to frustration as the team released the running back.
“We just felt like it was best that we part ways,” says Jets head coach Adam Gase. “It gives
him an opportunity to go somewhere else. I want nothing but the best for him."
Bell took to social media Sunday following the Jets' loss to Arizona, liking tweets
that said he wasn't being utilized properly. Bell then met with Gase and general manager Joe
Douglas.
“It is what it is, it's the decision we made and we're moving
on to this one,” says Gase.
Bell signed a four-year, $52.5 million deal last
year, but didn't live up to the hype. In just 17 games, he rushed for less than
900 yards and three touchdowns. He spent most of this season injured.
Quarterback Sam Darnold says he loved having
Bell as a teammate.
“Me and him texted each other after it happened and just said
that I loved playing with him and again, wished him nothing but the best,” says
Darnold.
Darnold will miss week six, as his shoulder continues to heal, but when he does
return, he'll have running backs Frank Gore and rookie La’Mical Perine
as weapons.
“Getting Perine really involved is going to be
critical for us,” says Gase.
Despite being 0-5 and the lowest scoring offense
in the league, Gase says he's not too worried about the rest of his guys.
“I think our locker room is pretty good right
now,” says Gase.
Bell is the second Jets player to leave the team
after voicing frustration with Gase. Safety Jamal Adams was traded to Seattle
in July.
The Jets will travel to Miami Sunday.