Chiefs add to backfield depth with Bell signing

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs signed Le’Veon Bell on 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 wrote on Twitter.

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 reigning Super Bowl champions have little depth behind him, with only Darrel Williams and Darwin Thompson getting regular work. DeAndre Washington was signed in free agency but has been a protected player on the practice squad, unable to crack the game-day roster through the first five games.

The Chiefs thought they would have Damien Williams, one of the heroes of their comeback victory over the San Francisco 49ers at Super Bowl LIV in February, but he opted out because of the COVID-19 pandemic before the start of the season.

Bell has skills similar to Williams in his patience and ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. He has far better career credentials, though, topping 1,200 rushing yards and 75 catches in a season on three different occasions.

“A tremendous player, someone that can do it all,” Mahomes said earlier in the day, when word began to spread that Bell was considering the Chiefs among a trio of teams. “Whoever is in this locker room, we make sure they’re ready to go.”

Exactly when Bell will be ready to go is unclear. The Chiefs were supposed to play at Buffalo on Thursday night, but the game was pushed back to next Monday night because the Bills and Tennessee were not cleared to play until this past Tuesday as the Titans dealt with a COVID-19 outbreak.

The Chiefs will also be on the road against the Denver Broncos on Oct. 25 before hosting the Jets on Nov. 1.