Oakland Raiders not signing Le’Veon Bell is a good thing

The Oakland Raiders ended up missing out on the services of free agent running back Le’Veon Bell, and it may end up being a good thing for the franchise.

The New York Jets just signed the most coveted Free Agent of 2018, Le’Veon Bell. The 4-year/$52 million deal is just what the Pro-Bowl running back wanted from the Pittsburgh Steelers and never got. Bell is set to earn $17 million annually from Gang Green.

Bell is not only a No. 1 running back but a No. 2 receiver and led running backs in receptions while being a top-3 fantasy football pick.

The Oakland Raiders were a possible landing spot for Bell but couldn’t close the deal. Ian Rapaport reported that there were multiple offers on the table but New York had the best offer money wise.

This leads Raiders fans asking what is the outcome of this? Are we relieved, or angry?

I think both is a fair assumption. While the talent is there, the $17 million cap hit per year is very high after signing Antonio Brown from the same team Bell is leaving. Not to mention in  four years Derek Carr will be needing another contract and will be wanting something in the realm of his 5 years $125 million he signed in 2017.

While Bell is seemingly a great talent, he’s not worth the headache. Just look at the way the Pittsburgh Steelers reacted to him holding out. Business was as usual for the Steelers and he didn’t get the attention he presumably wanted.

If it’s one thing you don’t do, it’s giving up on your team.

That all being said, I can’t deny the talent that Bell brings to his team. In his four years, he’s compiled 1,229 carries for 5,336 yards averaging 4.3 yards per carry and 86 yards per game. His longest run is 81 yards with 27 runs of 20+ yards and 5 with 40+ yards. To go along with this impressive resume, he has 27 touchdowns and 291 yards after the first hit. Even after all of this, I can’t trust him to stay on the field and play his contract out.

While I hate watching talent leave for another team, I have to trust that that player will live up to their value and hype. I can’t trust that Bell will play out his 4-year contract and would rather have the cap room for more weapons and Derek Carr in the future.