By Austin Medina
In a few weeks, the NFL Free Agency period will get under way. The Ravens have decisions to make on their current roster, such as starters John Brown and Za'Darius Smith. Additionally, the Ravens will look to add talent with more than $50 million in cap space.
A huge decision can be made for former Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell, who is now officially a free agent.
.@LeVeonBell to become unrestricted free agent after Steelers decline tags:https://t.co/Nc82qrbrD4 pic.twitter.com/55OuvwATgy
— NFL (@NFL) February 20, 2019There are a number of reasons why the Ravens should, at the very least, consider signing Bell.
Bell sat out the entire 2018 season, so he will be the healthiest version of himself since entering the league in 2013. In 2017, Bell ran for 1,291 yards, eleven total touchdowns, and caught 655 receiving yards.
Prior to 2018, Bell was a two-time First Team All-Pro. He ran for over 1,000 yards in three of his five seasons and ran for a total of 35 touchdowns.
Adding the 27-year running back would also take tremendous pressure off of second-year quarterback Lamar Jackson. Bell's dual-threat ability cannot be understated. In five seasons, he has 2,260 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. Imagine Lamar Jackson being able to check the ball down and having a talent such as Bell gaining extra yards.
Another reason for signing Bell would be to cripple the rival Steelers. Pittsburgh produced it's worst season since Bell's rookie season in 2013, going 9-6-1 and missing the playoffs. The loss of Bell certainly hurt the Steelers, on the field and more specifically in the locker room.
Free at last, Free at last, Thank God Almighty I am free at last ------------
— Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell) February 20, 2019The Steelers are the most vulnerable they have been since 2013. With Bell becoming a free agent, the Steelers allowed an all-time talent to walk out the door for nothing. On top of that, star wide receiver Antonio Brown has requested a trade due to frustrations with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
The Ravens currently have a runningback-by-committee with the likes of Gus Edwards, Alex Collins, and Buck Allen. There is no assurance that Edwards will be able to sustain his successful 2018 campaign and Collins' inconsistent play should be cause for concern. Last season the only running back who acted as a true pass-catcher was Allen, but he is set to become a free agent. Why not get both a dominant runner and elite pass-catcher in one player such as Bell?
This is the question that the Ravens should be thinking about. Of course Bell will come at a cost, but just how high is yet to be seen for a player who didn't produce a yard in 2018.
Le'Veon Bell isn't going to land a massive contract he expects in free agency https://t.co/9X3yqUKMVC pic.twitter.com/tIt5WOyIG7
— For The Win (@ForTheWin) February 21, 2019By signing Bell the Ravens could answer a number of questions, fill a variety of needs, and in the process give a parting shot to a long-time rival.
Would you want the Ravens to pursue Le'Veon Bell? Why or why not?
