Rizzla takes a look at the exciting Le’Veon Bell to the New York Jets news, and examines the fantasy context.
At long last Le’Veon Bell has found a new home. He waited until his album was released to agree to terms. Adam Schefter had the news first, including the contract details:
Le’Veon Bell’s four-year deal with the New York Jets has a max value of $61 million and includes $35 million guaranteed, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2019
This is a great deal for the New York Jets, and also for Le’Veon Bell. Bell gets the guaranteed money he desired, including $15 million dollars more in guarantees than the Steelers final offer, which Bell suggested was comprised of Monopoly money. And no matter how you feel about him sitting out an entire franchise tagged season and forgoing a $14.5 million dollar payday, he did ensure he was healthy to to receive $20.5 million more in guarantees. I would posit that seeing what happened to NBA players like Isaiah Thomas factored into his decision making. And justifiably so. The guaranteed money here is more than the franchise tag, and the Steelers final offer combined. I would call that a win.
The New York Jets landed one of the most productive backs in NFL history. With 129 yards from scrimmage per game Le’Veon Bell is the all time leader in that category. The Jets weapons at wideout and tight end are not exactly anything to get too excited about outside of Robby Anderson, which makes landing an excellent receiving back like Bell all the more valuable. The Jets landed him for less than the Pittsburgh Steelers offered in the summer of 2018. The Jets are splashing the cash and just may become a threat in the AFC East.
After sitting out the 2018 season, Le'Veon Bell will look to continue as an elite dual threat with the Jets.
No player in NFL history has averaged more yards from scrimmage per game. pic.twitter.com/Voal6cRdmb
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) March 13, 2019
Fantasy Context:
Le’Veon Bell has re-entered the top five conversation. One could argue that this landing spot puts him right back in the top three mix. The Jets are a team that will need to lean on the run, and you can be sure that Bell is going to feature in the passing attack as well. Treat Bell as a top five back going forward. Bell is a workhorse and just got paid like one. Elijah McGuire should be no more of a factor than DeAngelo Williams or James Conner were behind Bell in Pittsburgh. Congratulations to dynasty owners who were able to buy low during the 2018 season.
Sam Darnold is a big winner here. With no enviable pass catching weapons outside of Robby Anderson, the addition of an elite workhorse at running back is just what the doctor ordered. A strong running game is quarterbacks best friend, especially a sophomore who has yet to find his way in the NFL. Darnold remains a high end QB2 in redraft and superflex, but is trending up in dynasty leagues. Consider him in the QB1 mix for dynasty leagues, as he is just a strong number two receiver away from being a consensus QB1.
Elijah McGuire loses the majority of his value with this news. He could still see 6-8 touches per game, but is now essentially nothing more than a handcuff. McGuire should remain a deep league best ball target. He is a deep league end of bench stash, that should not be counted on for fantasy production until he proves he can carve out a significant enough role in the backfield.
Robby Anderson stands to benefit from this news. Like all Jets pass catchers Anderson stands to lose some volume with this move, but his target quality, and average target separation should improve drastically. Bell will keep defenders in the box forcing them to pick their poison. Heading into the draft Anderson remains a borderline WR2 with elite WR2 upside.
Jamison Crowder and Quincy Enunwa both see their upside capped with this news. Bell could see upwards of 100 targets on the season and Crowder and Enunwa are likely to see their target shares more affected than Robby Anderson. Crowder still remains an intriguing WR4 target due to the potential for a volume role. Enunwa on the other hand now moves into the realm of bye week fillers. Enunwa is still a talented receiver, but does not project to have enough of a role to be anything but a deep league stash.
