Strip away the B.S. and here’s the reality: New head coach Adam Gase did not want to sign perennial Pro Bowl running back Le’Veon Bell, according to sources.
Mike Maccagnan’s ouster on Wednesday validated rumblings of a reported rift between Gase and the general manager.
Although CEO Christopher Johnson claimed to be impressed with Maccagnan and Gase’s ability to put together a good plan for the present and future, the acting owner failed to reveal this truth: Gase made it clear that he did not want to spend big money on a running back (or a center, for that matter), according to sources. He simply did not feel that he needed a pricey running back to properly execute his system.
People in the know made it clear to me that Johnson, however, did want Bell, who signed a 4-four, $52.5 million deal and is expected to be a big help for Sam Darnold’s development.
Bell has skipped much of the team’s voluntary off-season program. The Jets haven’t been particularly pleased with his decision to work out in Florida rather than with the team regardless of what anyone has said publicly to this point.
Gase revealed last week that Bell informed him that he would attend the team’s mandatory minicamp June 4-6, which isn’t entirely surprising given that the player is subject to daily fines if he doesn’t show up.
“It’s voluntary,” Gase said about Bell’s no-show. “Everybody can get upset about it. There’s no point. We know where he is. He’s working out. He’s always been ready. Every year that he’s played, he’s been ready to go. So, that’s just what it is. If somebody doesn’t like it, then talk to the NFLPA.”