Another former All-Pro running back may become available this summer, but only for one team. Le’Veon Bell, a former Baltimore Ravens (albeit for a brief period) running back, plans to return for the 2024 season.
Bell shared the news on his own Snapchat on Friday, January 2.
In the set of photos, Bell stated, “I won’t start training until March.” I need to go out there and say, “I’m going to put my foot in the ground.” Do I feel it? Am I hurt?
Can I go out there and actually play again? And, dude, I’m telling you right now that when I go out there and train in March, and if I make the decision to return to play in the NFL in April, I’ll be better than I’ve ever been.
Bell goes on to declare, “I’ll only come back for one team. “You all know who it is.”
The clip of Bell explaining the parameters of his NFL return and the one team he'd come back and play for.
In past comments, Bell has said he'd only play for Mike Tomlin. https://t.co/BGh2h5x4uL pic.twitter.com/36cShxkjLU
— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) February 4, 2024
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported about the comeback on Monday, February 5. Schefter provides some insight into who the team is. “He didn’t mention the only team he would play for, it’s clear he’s referring to the Pittsburgh Steelers based on his past comments.”
Bell will be 32 on February 18, thus his prospects of making a successful comeback are limited.
Le’Veon Bell Had Dominant Stretch With Steelers
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The Steelers selected Bell in the second round of the 2013 draft, and he went on to have a strong 5-year career in Pittsburgh.
During that period, he won three Pro Bowls, was chosen First Team All-Pro RB twice, and Second Team All-Pro once. He carried for over 1,000 yards three times and would have done it again in 2015 if he had not had a season-ending injury in which he tore his MCL.
Bell was a threat not only on the ground, but also in the air, as he eclipsed 75 catches three times during that time period. Bell has a total of 2,215 running and receiving yards in 2014, ranking 23rd all-time.
The running back scored 42 of his 51 career touchdowns within the brief 5-year span. Schefter went on to say, “[Bell] ranked fourth in [Steelers] franchise history with 5,336 rushing yards.”
Bell’s Exit Led to Messy End of Career
Bell’s descent from the top was as swift as his ascent. It all began in 2018 with a contract disagreement between Bell and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
According to Schefter, “Bell had a messy exit, sitting out the 2018 season after refusing to sign his franchise tag.” Bell did not return to the Steelers, instead signing a big four-year, $52.5 million contract with the New York Jets for the 2019 season.
The 2019 season with the Jets was the poorest of Bell’s career to that date. The Jets released Bell the following season because his marriage was falling apart.
Following his release, he signed with the Kansas City Chiefs for the balance of the 2020 season. Bell had only 328 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns this season.
There was little traction or interest in Bell throughout the 2021 offseason, and he joined the Ravens practice squad prior to the season. Bell played five games for Baltimore and carried 31 times for 83 yards.
The veteran running back was released and signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in hopes of getting one more crack at a Super Bowl ring.
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