We all know that Le’Veon Bell is not the same Bell that once we knew and drafted first overall in fantasy drafts. However, that is what now makes him a player that the Chicago Bears could be targeted in free agency. Back when his price was exuberant, rumors were that the Bears had at least sniffed around Bell. Now that he will be on the market, will they call?
Projected Contract for Le’Veon Bell in NFL free agency
Based on his play last season, Over the Cap has him valued at $1.5 million. However, PFF is being a bit more kind and assuming that he can get $10 million over two years, which is $5 million per year.
There is a big gap between $2-5 million, and that may be what determines who signs Bell.
Chicago Bears should sign Le’Veon Bell
If you were to compare one player to David Montgomery at this point, it is a young Le’Veon Bell. Neither have that breakaway burst, but both kill you with patience, and a quick cut followed by power hitting the hole.
The reality is that if Montgomery were to go down with an injury, Bell would be the perfect backup to fill into his role. This would keep Tarik Cohen and potentially Cordarrelle Patterson in the same roles.
Last season when Montgomery went down the Bears saw the consequences of not having a normal backup running back. From a size, style, and workload perspective, Bell is the perfect backup. Considering he was essentially third-string back with the Chiefs, this may be a good chance for him.
Chicago Bears should pass on Le’Veon Bell in NFL free agency
Bell was no inactive for the Super Bowl, but it was clear the Kansas City Chiefs had no use for him. That is below Darrel Williams. It just would seem as though the Chicago Bears could find a back better than Williams, let alone better than Bell at this point.
Beyond that, he wants to start. He is looking for a David Montgomery injury here and maybe would sign if something happened mid-season. However, there may be murkier situations for him to join next season with a clearer path to playing time.
Lastly is the question of what he brings as a backup. All reports out of KC are that he embraced his role and was a good locker room player. However, the Bears have had issues with guys like Anthony Miller, and it may be time to slow down on the social media stars.
If Bell is looking for $5 million, and a starting job, he can keep looking. If he wanted to sign for $2 million and wanted to help David Montgomery grow, he would be a great addition in free agency.