With free agency opening this coming Wednesday, the Ravens will finally be able to pursue Steelers running back – Le’Veon Bell – as he is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent. Here’s three reasons why he could prove invaluable to the Baltimore Ravens.
It’s that time of year again…On Wednesday the 13th of March, free agency officially opens, with many big names hitting the open market this year.
Perhaps the biggest name in this year’s class – Le’Veon Bell – will become an unrestricted free agent after the Pittsburgh Steelers declined to use the Transition tag on the 3 time Pro-Bowler.
Seeing his production on the field, its easy to see why Bell is set to be one of this year’s most coveted free agents:
Through effectively four and a half seasons (he missed 10 games in 2015 due to a torn MCL), Le’Veon Bell has almost 8,000 yards from scrimmage with 7,996. Of the four full seasons he has been healthy, the former Michigan State Spartan has been to 3 Pro Bowls, and was a First team All-Pro in 2014 and 2017.
Here’s why despite the lofty price tag, Bell would be worth every cent if the Ravens were to steal one of the league’s premium running backs from their division rival:
1. Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson is the biggest reason to sign Bell. The former Heisman winner, whose 695 rushing yards led all quarterbacks in 2018, is entering his first full season as a starter. Subsequently, the running attack became vital to the Ravens’ offence through the second half of last season. Now seeing how effective the run game was with Gus Edwards and Kenneth Dixon (who are both solid options), just imagine seeing Lamar Jackson and the NFL’s finest running back – Le’Veon Bell – in the same backfield. This would take an already formidable running attack to the next level.
While Bell would undoubtedly enhance the Ravens’ backfield, the former All-Pro would also be a viable option for Jackson in the passing game. Notorious for his route running ability, Bell has had 75 or more receptions 3 times in his career, averaging 8.5 yards per reception.