The Ravens are releasing Le’Veon Bell, per an announcement from the running back himself. As a post-trade-deadline cut, he’ll be subject to the waiver wire before potentially reaching the open market. 
“This hurts, but it’s been a blessing to be here to say the least,” Bell tweeted. “I’ve enjoyed every second of this short period and got a whole new meaning of what this city is like..it’s a great place to be. I appreciate [GM Eric DeCosta] and [head coach] John Harbaugh for the opportunity to be called a Raven.”
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While a reunion is possible, per Harbaugh, Bell’s 2.7-yard average this season does not present considerable upside. Bell joined the Ravens’ taxi squad in early September and earned a promotion to the varsity squad soon after. The 29-year-old has appeared in a total of five games this season, collecting 31 touches for 83 yards and two touchdowns.
“I really appreciate everything about him: professionalism, attitude, work ethic,” Harbaugh said, via ESPN.com’s Jamison Hensley. “Being around him is a joy every single day. He’s really a great guy and he helped us.”
Bell has had issues holding a job since his famed 2018 holdout. No longer producing like his old All-Pro self, he was limited to just 466 yards between the Jets and Chiefs last year. Still, he did register more than 1,000 all-purpose yards with Gang Green in 2019.
The Ravens were expected to use Bell quite a bit following injuries to J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards, and Justice Hill. Instead, they’ll stick to the rest of their RBs — Devonta Freeman, Ty’Son Williams, and Latavius Murray.
Bet he misses that franchise tag salary! Fun to watch though. So patient letting the linemen do their jobs.
I always thought it was destiny that he ended up a Steeler, because that patience aspect of his running style reminds me so much of Franco Harris. When he’s on, it’s so fun to watch Bell wait, wait, wait until you think he’s waited too long, then he’s 5 yards downfield all of a sudden.
sign ray rice!
As long as his last paycheck clears the bank, he’ll be satisfied.
Most running backs have short shelf lives. Starting the get the same vibes from Saquon Barkley, we’ll see how he bounces back from the last couple years being all but wiped out due to injuries.
You might be right about Barkley but I hope not. I’ve never met Barkley but I know many people who have, and I’ve never heard a bad word about him.
Crazy to think he was elite like three years ago
He’s done. Only way he should be on the field now is under a mascot outfit. Can he ride a horse? How would he feel about flying out of a cannon through a goal post?
I’m not sure what ruined him, sitting out for a year in his prime or having to run behind the Jets offensive line. Maybe both. It was an absolute pleasure to watch him as a Steeler, he sometimes looked like a generational talent let alone a top player at his position. But he made his choices, and here we are.
Both, I’d say. The Jets’ line was bad as is, but Bell also specially adapted his running style to Pittsburgh’s line in his second year.
Didn’t he just sign with the Rams???
Gooood jokes. I love the cannonball one.
Titans should add him to the mix. Adrian Peterson hasn’t been setting the world on fire so why not give him a try?
Appreciate what you have when it’s being given. He got so arrogant and now he’s practice squad at best.
That holdout might be remembered as one of the costliest in NFL history.
2 words:
1. Awesome
2. Hilarious
I have no idea how used up and broken Lev is at this point, but I’m still sure he’d be better than any of Harris’ other backups.
Ballage could be useful but they don’t seem to know how to use him. McFarland they already didn’t know how to use, plus he can’t block. And Snell is useless on offense but has become valuable on special teams. As much as we’d all like to see a viable backup to Najee, I’m not holding my breath this year.
Ballage is certainly serviceable, and is a similar back to Harris. I doubt Bell, even as humbled as he’s been, has many bridges left standing in Pittsburgh currently (also after showing, via that episode with Andy Reid, that he still can be contentious with his coaches).
What a joke of a football player ! More like a scam artist , running back wanna be With his swelled pea brain ! Good riddance, now blow up to 320 pounds and become a wrestler
Lol Vinnie Mac signs Bell, 6 days later after debut on smackdown, raw or nxt. Levon can you come into my office, nvm your used too it….”YOUR FIRED”!
This is exciting news for those of us who have a Dairy Queen gift card in our wallet.