Buccaneers and Le’Veon Bell: Perfect fit or mistake?
By Rob Leeds
The Buccaneers currently feature Ronald Jones as their lead back, who is currently in eighth in the NFL in rushing yards with 359. Even with a weak start to the season and awful play-calling from the coaching staff, Jones was able to bounce back and string together two extremely impressive games.
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Outside of Jones, the Bucs have the inconsistent rookie Ke’Shawn Vaughn, who has played well at times, Leonard Fournette and LeSean McCoy, both injured, and Kenjon Barner, who is currently serving a suspension.
Fournette has played well when healthy and could still finish strong this season, but McCoy has struggled heavily with weak performances and injuries. Enter Le’Veon Bell.
If signed, Bell would immediately step in as the primary third-down back. The Buccaneer running backs have struggled heavily in the passing game, and Bell would be an immediate improvement. Notwithstanding his time in the inept Jets offense, Bell has been one of the best high-volume receivers in the NFL other than Alvin Kamara and Christian McCaffrey, and this skill would transfer well to the Buccaneers.
Bell wouldn’t be one of the only offensive targets anymore like he was last season, and the weapons on the Buccaneer offense would help take some pressure off. Bell and Fournette would be the perfect options to spell Jones, and a lighter load could help allow for more explosive plays later in games.
Bell has already been paid at this point in his career and may just look for a shot to win a Super Bowl. His opportunity to get on the field and compete are high in Tampa Bay, and the deal works out well for both sides if he takes a team-friendly price.