NFL News: Jets Release Bell Halfway Through $52.5M Deal, Return To Steelers Suggested

The New York Jets have had enough of Le'Veon Bell, their key signing in 2019. Barely halfway through the four-year deal worth $52.5 million, the Jets rid themselves of a forgettable partnership that lasted only 19 months.

The Jets were open to trading Bell, but no NFL team came forward. A reason seen behind that is the numbers on his current contract.

ESPN reported, citing an unnamed source, that New York was amenable to absorbing part of the money of that contract (roughly $6 million), but another part of it turned other teams off. This is concerning the $8 million injury guarantee in 2021. It was a risk no team wanted to take.

Bell spent the first three weeks of the season on the injured reserve after suffering a pulled hamstring in the Jets' opening game against the Buffalo Bills. He received only 22 touches in that game, The New York Times reported.

"After having conversations with Le'Veon and his agent and exploring potential trade options over the past couple of days, we have made the decision to release Le'Veon," part of the team statement issued by general manager Joe Douglas read.

Bell won't need to clear waivers and can sign with another team after 4 p.m. EST on Wednesday.

The 28-year-old has taken to social media to share his feelings about the development and appeared ready to move on with another NFL team willing to take him in.

It is no secret that Bell and coach Adam Gase failed to get anything going since the running back joined the team. There were reports that Gase was against the lofty contract that was given to Bell, The Associated Press reported.

"I mean, I hate that’s the route that we go with all this," Gase said. "Instead of just talking to me about it but seems the way that guys want to do it nowadays."

Now, it will be interesting to see which NFL team would take a chance on Bell. A return to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he spent his first six years in the league, was suggested by CBS Sports. It should also be noted that Pittsburgh was one of the teams considering taking him back when the Jets placed him on the block last year.

If not the Steelers, other teams that could explore a deal for the running back include the Chicago Bears, Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Chargers and the Bills.