Ravens reportedly sign RB Le’Veon Bell to practice squad
By Justin Fried
The Baltimore Ravens have reportedly agreed to terms on a deal that will land former All-Pro running back Le’Veon Bell on the team’s practice squad.
As first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Ravens have signed Bell following season-ending injuries to both J.K. Dobbins and Justice Hill.
The Ravens brought in Bell, Devonta Freeman, and Elijah Holyfield for a workout on Monday with the team looking to make an addition to their backfield. Evidently, they decided to roll with Bell.
Josina Anderson is also reporting that the Ravens are expected to add running back Trenton Cannon as well to help bolster their special teams.
However, she did note that the recent release of Latavius Murray could change plans.
Le’Veon Bell provides veteran experience to an injury-riddled Ravens backfield
Of course, Bell is most known for his five years spent with the Pittsburgh Steelers. A second-round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, Bell developed into one of the best running backs in football during his time in Pittsburgh.
A three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, Bell’s Steelers career came to an end following a contract dispute. He sat out the entire 2018 season before returning with the NY Jets in 2019.
Unfortunately, his career wouldn’t be the same after leaving Pittsburgh.
Bell struggled mightily in his lone full season with the Jets as he finished with an abysmal 3.2 yards per carry. The Jets released him the following fall and he finished out the year in a part-time role with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Bell is a shell of his former self, but he could still provide value to the Ravens backfield with his veteran experience and, more importantly, his pass-catching ability.
The 29-year-old has long been regarded as one of the best pass-catching backs in football and that’s something that should prove valuable with both Dobbins and Hill out.
If the Ravens do sign Cannon, the former Jets sixth-round pick could fill in for Hill as a speedy special-teams contributor.
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The Ravens needed running back depth and they got just that with a familiar foe in Le’Veon Bell.