Le’Veon Bell’s agreement to sign with the New York Jets didn’t come without some competition. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported the 49ers also made an offer for the former Steelers running back. Maurice Jones Drew of NFL Network also said the 49ers offered Bell a contract.
This is fascinating for several reasons.
It doesn’t fall in line with head coach Kyle Shanahan’s typical MO on running backs. San Francisco put together one of the NFL’s best rushing attacks last season with undrafted players Matt Breida, Jeff Wilson and Raheem Mostert leading the way as three of the top four rushers.
Shanahan and running backs coach Bobby Turner have made a habit of getting top-end production from lower-tier running backs. Bell, a former second-round pick and two-time All-Pro doesn’t fit that description.
There’s also the fact San Francisco just gave running back Jerick McKinnon a four-year, $30 million contract with $18 million guaranteed. McKinnon is coming off a torn ACL, but projects to be back for the start of the 2019 season.
Bell would’ve given the 49ers a glut of running backs between him, McKinnon and Breida – the team’s leading rusher last season.
It’s unlikely San Francisco circled Bell as a prime target at the start of free agency. However, it’s conceivable they saw his market developing at a lower rate than expected and decided to enter the fray.
New York signed Bell to a four-year, $52.5 million deal. A scenario where the 49ers acquired the star running back for less than that would’ve made a lot of sense. The fit with him in Shanahan’s offense would’ve been ideal.
Running back wasn’t a top need for San Francisco, and shelling out big dollars for one for a second consecutive offseason would’ve been a head-scratching move. It certainly makes sense that they inquired though given the potential to add an All-Pro caliber player at a discount.
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