How much is Le’Veon Bell’s 1-year deal with the Chiefs worth?
Le’Veon Bell’s new deal with the Chiefs will pay him a $1 million base salary, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Bell’s base salary, however, is prorated for the first five games of the season, which means the ex-Jets running back will get about $690,000. From there, Bell can earn an additional $1 million in playing time and playoff incentives. In total, he can make as much as $1.69 million with Kansas City in 2020.
Bell will hit free agency this offseason at age 29.
The last time Bell was a free agent, he signed a four-year, $52.5 million contract with the Jets. That was 19 months ago, when Mike Maccagnan was still New York’s general manager. Bell played just 17 games for the Jets, averaging 3.3 yards per carry. It was a far cry from his All-Pro standards with the Steelers, but Bell was playing behind a weak line and his head coach, Adam Gase, was often criticized for how he used the versatile back.
The Chiefs are hoping Bell can return to form with a change of scenery and the chance to contend. If he doesn’t, however, it’s not like they have a ton of money on the line. The Jets, meanwhile, are still largely responsible for the remainder of Bell’s $6 million 2020 base pay, though offset language will cut the cost by the amount of Bell’s new salary with the Chiefs.
Bell will get an opportunity to stick it to the Jets in Week 8 when they visit his new home, Arrowhead Stadium.
