Why it makes sense
Simply put, the Raiders need a running back.
The future of Marshawn Lynch is up in the air. Beast Mode is still one heck of a competitor, but is he healthy enough to play? And does he even want to? Lynch may be more inclined to come back for another year knowing that a deal has been inked to keep the Raiders in Oakland until their move to Las Vegas next season, but he has yet to make a statement either way.
However, both Lynch and fellow running back Doug Martin are free agents and the Raiders will no doubt be seriously evaluating this position. Martin stepped into the position in a big way after Lynch was placed on IR, rushing for 723 yards and scoring four touchdowns. While he did a solid job, he isn’t productive enough for the Raiders to make him their starting running back.
Quarterback Derek Carr needs some weapons on the field. Watching him waste his talent with a lackluster offense was painful. Bell and recent acquisition Antonio Brown back in action together would give Carr the opportunities to succeed he so desperately needs.
Bell is also a competent receiver, adding someone else with this capability to the roster can only help the Raiders’ beleaguered offense.