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The team was shopping Bell in hopes of working
out a trade before it decided to end the rocky relationship with
the 28-year-old.
"After having conversations with Le'Veon and his agent and
exploring potential trade options over the past couple of days,
we have made the decision to release Le'Veon," New York general
manager Joe Douglas said in a news release. "The Jets
organization appreciates Le'Veon's efforts during his time here
and we know he worked hard to make significant contributions to
this team. We believe this decision is in the best interests of
both parties and wish him future success."
Shortly after the announcement of his release, Bell tweeted a
photo of himself and said, "got a lot to prove. i'm ready to
go."
The three-time Pro Bowl selection signed a four-year, $52.5
million deal as a free agent with the Jets in March of 2019.
There were issues from the start as rumors emerged that coach
Adam Gase wasn't thrilled about the move. The signing was
orchestrated by then-general manager Mike Maccagnan, who was
dismissed two months later.
The relationship between Bell and Gase continued to go downhill
and Bell was upset that only one pass came his way during
Sunday's 30-10 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.
Bell declined to speak to reporters afterward but "liked"
several comments on Twitter from media members and others who
commented about him being misused. Those actions reportedly
upset Gase.
On Monday, Gase told reporters, "I hate that that's the route we
go with all this instead of just talking about it, but it seems
that's the way guys want to do it nowadays."
Bell carried 13 times for 60 yards against Cardinals after
missing the previous three games with a hamstring injury. In two
games this season, he has 74 yards on 19 carries and three
receptions for three yards.
Last season, Bell was a disappointment with a paltry 3.2 yards
per carry while rushing for 789 yards and three touchdowns. He
also caught 66 passes for 461 yards and one score.
Bell topped 1,200 rushing yards three times in five seasons with
the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2013-17 while twice earning
first-team All-Pro honors. He missed the entire 2018 campaign in
a salary dispute after refusing to sign a $14.5 million
franchise tag.
Frank Gore, 37, is the Jets' leading rusher this season with 204
yards.
Bell is the second high-profile player to depart the Jets in
three months. The team traded star safety Jamal Adams to the
Seattle Seahawks in July as contract talks between the two sides
disintegrated.
--Field Level Media
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