Bell will sign to a four-year, $52.5-million deal with the Jets, Adam Schefter of ESPN first reported. The agreement will become official soon after the start of the new league year Wednesday at 3 p.m.
A three-time Pro Bowl running back, Bell last played in 2017 after holding out all of last season because of a contract dispute with the Steelers. Bell has rushed 1,229 times for 5,336 yards and 35 touchdowns over five seasons in Pittsburgh, adding 312 receptions for 2,660 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.
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Bell played under the franchise tag during the 2017 season, earning All-Pro recognition along the way. He was tendered the franchise tag again last season but didn't join the Steelers, holding out the entire year.
The Bears opened up $11 million in cap space Tuesday morning by restructuring part of star edge rusher Khalil Mack's contract into bonuses, Field Yates of ESPN reported. However, they were never a major player in the Bell sweepstakes.