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The NFL free-agent market just gained an attractive addition via running back Le’Veon Bell, who was released by the New York Jets on Tuesday night. The Jets had tried trading Bell, but after getting no offers they parted ways with one of the game’s best backs.
It didn’t take long for many to link Bell to the Chicago Bears, especially considering their struggles in the run game and Bell’s versatility in the passing game, which has made him a weapon.
Certainly doesn't fit like a glove but yes, LeVeon Bell would be fascinating in Matt Nagy's offense and his running style could be a good fit with Bears struggling O-line. Big question is could he pass Bears "No Turds" test, and would Bears go big?
— Hub Arkush (@Hub_Arkush) October 14, 2020
Bears make some sense. Dolphins maybe. Eagles had been poking around on RBs for a while. https://t.co/NHbNdWDAy3
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) October 14, 2020
I’d be all for the #Bears kicking the tires on Le’Veon Bell. We shall see if they do.
— Aaron Leming (@AaronLemingNFL) October 14, 2020
@ceeflashpee84 time to recruit LeVeon haha
— Bears, Mariners, Sharks and Ottawa-Hockey Fan (@MelnykMustGo) October 14, 2020
But the problem with the Bears run game isn’t just on running back David Montgomery. It’s the offensive line, which has struggled in run blocking, pass protection and pretty much everything in these last two games. It’s on play caller Matt Nagy. And it’s also a lack of depth behind Montgomery.
After running back Tarik Cohen went down with a torn ACL, the Bears turned to receiver-turned-running-back Cordarrelle Patterson to provide a spark. But he hasn’t been the answer, becoming more effective in the passing game. The Bears also signed Lamar Miller to the practice squad with the belief that they’ll elevate him to the active roster in the near future.
Chicago’s offense has faced two of the best run defenses in the NFL over these last two games, and the results have been pretty gruesome. They’ve managed just 63 yards on 30 carries for an abysmal 2.1 yards per carry. The Bears went from a top-10 rushing attack in the first couple of weeks to a bottom-six run game over these last two games.
While Bell is certainly an intriguing option to bring into Matt Nagy’s offense — and it certainly helps that he’d now be more affordable — he wouldn’t be a magical cure all for a Bears offense that still hasn’t figured out how to effectively run the football. Still, it’s an idea that’s hard not to consider. Especially at the right price.
