Bell to join Chiefs after exit from Jets
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs signed Le’veon Bell late Thursday, two days after he was released by the New York Jets, giving them some much-needed depth at running back and another weapon for quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
“Kansas City, #Chiefskingdom, thank you for the opportunity let’s go!” Bell tweeted.
Bell, a two-time All-pro with the Pittsburgh Steelers, was cut by the Jets after a disappointing tenure in New York that lasted less than two full seasons. Bell and coach Adam Gase appeared to not mesh since the running back signed a four-year, $52.5 million contract with $35 million guaranteed last year as a free agent.
He will slot into one of the NFL’S most dynamic offenses behind Clyde Edwards-helaire, who has been one of the league’s most impressive rookies this season. But the Chiefs have little depth behind him with only Darrel Williams and Darwin Thompson getting regular work.
The Chiefs (4-1) thought they would have Damien Williams, one of the heroes of their comeback victory over San Francisco in the Super Bowl, but he opted out because of the COVID-19 pandemic before the start of the season.
Bell, who no doubt is eyeing the Chiefs’ game against the Jets in Week 8, has a similar skill set to Williams in his patience and ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. And he has far better career credentials, topping 1,200 yards rushing and 75 receptions in a season on three different occasions.
While the financial terms of the one-year deal with Kansas City were unknown, the Jets are responsible for the remaining $6 million in base pay on his salary with an offset clause that defrays the amount based on his salary with the Chiefs.
Hall of Famer Dean dies at 68
Fred Dean, the fearsome pass rusher who was a key part of the launch of the 49ers’ dynasty, has died. He was 68.
His death Wednesday night was confirmed Thursday by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. Dean was hospitalized last week with the coronavirus and was on a ventilator and in intensive care, according to former teammate Dwight Hicks.
Dean was an undersized pass rusher who began his career as a second-round pick with the San Diego Chargers in 1975 and ended it in the Hall of Fame after being named an All-pro twice and making four Pro Bowls.
Dean was an All-pro for the Chargers in 1980 but had his biggest impact after being traded to San Francisco during the 1981 season. He won two Super Bowls with the 49ers.
Odds and ends
Browns star receiver Odell Beckham Jr. was sent home feeling ill as coach Kevin Stefanski said the team acted out of caution because of COVID-19 concerns. Stefanski said Beckham did not test positive for the coronavirus. He took another test before leaving the team’s facility and the Browns will find out those results Friday. … Patriots quarterback Cam Newton and cornerback Stephon Gilmore returned to practice for the first time since testing positive for COVID-19, putting both on track to be in the lineup when New England hosts Denver on Sunday.