Are the Patriots a realistic destination for Le’Veon Bell?

Are the Patriots a realistic destination for RB Le’Veon Bell after the Jets released him on Tuesday night?

The New York Jets proved on Tuesday why they are the undisputed laughingstock of the NFL when they released running back Le’Veon Bell after he appeared in just 17 games and pocketed a whopping $28 million.

During that span, Bell never had a 100-yard game on the ground and failed to log a rush longer than 19 yards. After finding the end zone 11 times (nine rushing, two receiving) in his final season with Pittsburgh, he managed to do so just four times in New York. It would be understandable if some fans look at those stats and assume he’s washed up. However, we would assert that no RB would flourish in the black hole that is the Jets offense.

Since the organization is eating the rest of his admittedly bloated contract, it’s likely that Bell finds a new home sooner than later. Though the three-time Pro Bowler values himself higher than most, we presume that he signs with a contender for the veteran minimum before hitting free agency next offseason.

We all know that the Patriots love nothing more than inking cheap deals with former castaways who many consider to be past the prime of their respective careers, right?  Therefore, it shouldn’t be surprising that Bell has been linked with a move to New England in the wake of his release.

That begs the question: Are the Patriots a realistic destination for the 28-year-old star?

We would say yes.

For starters, head coach Bill Belichick has gushed over Bell in the past, calling him “one of the top backs in the league” as recently as last year while he was in the middle of the worst season of his career.

Go take a look at Belichick’s quotes about the former second-round pick through the years and try to tell us that he wouldn’t be interested in signing him. Our guess is that probably has something to do with the fact that the six-time champion has never been able to contain Bell. In five regular season games against the Patriots, he’s registered 94 carries for 377 yards (4.0 YPC) with a touchdown, adding 24 receptions for 215 yards through the air.

Belichick’s evident affinity for Bell’s craft cannot be denied, and he would undoubtedly thrive in the team’s run-oriented offense. The only problem we can identify is that the Patriots already have a crowded backfield. However, we see nothing wrong with phasing out the likes of Sony Michel, who’s currently on injured reserve with a quad injury, as well as veteran backup Rex Burkhead.

Deploying a three-headed monster of Bell, Damien Harris and James White would give the Patriots one of the most dynamic backfields in the entire NFL. Throw quarterback Cam Newton into the mix once he’s activated off the COVID-19 reserve list, and you have what could be the most potent rushing attack in the league.

Taking all of this into consideration, we would absolutely label New England a realistic destination for Bell. The Patriots’ offense desperately needs an injection of dynamism and the former All-Pro would provide just that.

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