Update Oct. 12, 2020 10:58 a.m.
After liking a few tweets that highlighted his minimal use in the Jets’ loss to the Cardinals, Le’Veon Bell took things a step further.
The Jets running back, unhappy with his lack of targets Sunday afternoon, liked a pair of tweets saying New York should trade him. Both tweets (below) were also critical of Adam Gase, with one of them stating that the head coach has had a problem with Bell “since day 1.”
The #Jets should trade @LeVeonBell. I LOVE the guy but I’m tired of Gase’s BS. He doesn’t know how to use him so they might as well get a pick for him in this lost season. https://t.co/ChG0Rk2w0m
— Jake Asman (@JakeAsman) October 11, 2020
As much as I hate the idea, the #Jets should trade @LeVeonBell. He's one of the most talented RBs in the NFL, but is not being used right. Gase has had an issue with him since day 1. And as bad as this team has been, Bell's been nothing but a class act and deserves better.
— Lu (@NYJPapi) October 12, 2020
It’s clear that Bell is unhappy with his role in the Jets offense right now, but trading him could prove difficult given his salary, lack of production the last two years and recent injury history.
Bell is in the second year of a four-year, $52.5 million contract with $27 million guaranteed. More likely than a trade, New York could part with Bell this coming offseason and save $9.4 million
Le’Veon Bell declined to speak to reporters following his first game off the injured reserve list, but his social media activity made his thoughts clear.
Following New York’s 30-10 loss to the Cardinals on Sunday, Bell liked a pair of tweets that highlighted his minimal use in Gang Green’s passing game. One of the better pass-catching backs in the NFL, Bell received just one target, which he caught for seven yards.
Le'Veon's likes 👀 pic.twitter.com/5Liq4scCc3
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) October 11, 2020
In addition to his lone target, Bell ran 13 times for 60 yards with a long of 13. He played in 45 of 64 snaps after missing New York’s last three games with a hamstring injury.
This is not the first time Bell has taken to Twitter to vent, nor is it the first time he has appeared frustrated with the way Adam Gase uses him. Both, however, have insisted that they have a great working relationship.
Perhaps Bell’s lack of targets can be attributed to the Jets wanting to ease him in after being out of commission for a few weeks. Even then, New York was in desperate need of capable receivers on Sunday. That Jeff Smith got 11 targets — but only three catches — doesn’t make much sense when looking at Bell’s one pass in the same box score.
Chances are Gase will address Bell’s social media activity in the days ahead. We’ll see what, if anything he has to say — and if Bell gets a few more looks next week against the Dolphins.