Le'Veon Bell

Le'Veon Bell has decided to sign with the New York Jets. The deal is for four years, $52.5 million with $35 million guaranteed.

Fantasy Impact

The Jets signed a new guard in Kelechi Osemele from the Raiders to bolster their o-line earlier in the week and Sam Darnold flashed at times in his rookie season. Bell will be depended on to bolster an offense that has a need for a top-end talent like his and he should help open up the pass game for Robby Anderson and Quincy Enunwa. He'll maintain his workhorse status as Isaiah Crowell and Elijah McGuire pose no threat to stealing away major carries. He's a sure-fire RB1 for 2019.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports the Raiders should be considered a sleeper team for Le'Veon Bell.

Fantasy Impact

Rapoport adds that Bell will have a lot of suitors but Oakland is willing to spend on star power even after acquiring Antonio Brown. Bell has also been connected to the Jets, Eagles, and Buccaneers.

Mannish Mehta of the New York Daily News reports Le’Veon Bell reportedly ballooned to 260 pounds during his year away from the NFL.

Fantasy Impact

This is according to “word on the street”. Bell had previously played at 225 pounds so this sounds like a significant jump. He is likely working his way back into playing shape as he prepares to be a free agent for the first time in his career.

Steelers GM Kevin Colbert told reporters that the team will not use any of their tags on free-agent-to-be RB Le'Veon Bell. "Le'Veon is still a great player," Colbert said. "We can't afford to use any other type of tags. Le'Veon will be an unrestricted free agent at the start of the new league year."

Fantasy Impact

As expected, Bell will not be tagged this offseason. He will become an unrestricted free agent, and the Steelers will be left with James Conner and Jaylen Samuels, who each proved to be competent replacements for the former Pro Bowler Bell. For Bell, the future is not as clear as fantasy owners will need to see where he ultimately lands this offseason in order to determine his fantasy value for 2019 and beyond.

Steelers beat writer Jeremy Fowler does not expect the team to exercise the transition tag on RB Le'Veon Bell.

Fantasy Impact

While there are reports looming stating that Pittsburgh could use the transition tag on Bell, Fowler believes it is an unlikely scenario, deeming a "risky" move due to many moving parts involved including the participation of a willing trade partner. Moreover, the beat writer believes "the NFLPA would argue such a move violates the spirit of the tag and the collective bargaining agreement." Bell appears to be headed to free agency with no strings attached, which is likely the best move for all parties involved outside of the Steelers.