When many were expecting the New York Jets to make moves to trade running back Le'Veon Bell, general manager Joe Douglas instead released the veteran late Tuesday. Media members and NFL players, both current and former, including Bell himself, reacted with surprise, questions about the Jets franchise and coach Adam Gase, and inquiries about Bell's next landing spot.
Bell has disappointed for the Jets since he signed a four-year, $52.5 million contract last year, as he has averaged only 3.3 yards per carry with New York -- 51st out of 53 qualifying runners in the NFL during that span.
As a vested veteran, Bell is not subject to waivers. He will be a free agent at 4 p.m. ET Wednesday, and as Bell tweeted Tuesday night, he is "ready to go."
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got a lot to prove. i'm ready to go. pic.twitter.com/oDqBM62JfN
— Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell) October 14, 2020
🙏🏾
— Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell) October 14, 2020
Adam Gase finally got what he wanted all along! Lol!
— Reggie Bush (@ReggieBush) October 14, 2020
Man I'm beyond embarrassed bro. This is insane
— ANTONIO CROMARTIE (@CRO31) October 14, 2020
👀👀
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) October 14, 2020
Back to the @Steelers he goes
Leveon hated on Jamal for leaving the jets now he gone 😂🤦🏾♂️
— Bruce Irvin (@BIrvin_WVU11) October 14, 2020
— James White (@SweetFeet_White) October 14, 2020
Le'Veon will go to a team that will utilize his skill set the way he plays the game. Jets coaching were the obvious problem in my opinion.
— Marcus Gilbert (@MarcusGilbert88) October 14, 2020
👀🤐
— Bilal Powell (@bilalpowell29) October 14, 2020
Trust yourself and your path Brodie @LeVeonBell 💯
— Cj Anderson (@cjandersonb22) October 14, 2020
Goodluck my dawg...it's been real 🙌🏽 @LeVeonBell
— Avery Williamson (@AWilliamson54) October 14, 2020
I knew no one would trade for bell knowing they was gonna eventually release him why give up something for him that's what all other teams thinking
— Chris Johnson (@ChrisJohnson28) October 14, 2020