Realistic expectations for Le’Veon Bell in a KC Chiefs uniform

The KC Chiefs injected some very solid talent into their backfield this last week by signing Le’Veon Bell. What should Chiefs fans expect from the former All-Pro running back?

The New York Jets made a surprise move this last week when they released star running back Le’Veon Bell. Not even two years into a four-year, $52M contract, the Jets decided they were better off without the former All-Pro player. The writing was on the wall almost from the beginning, with Bell and head coach Adam Gase never really being on the same page. Now, the talented back gets a fresh start in the best possible landing spot.

Last October, the Kansas City Chiefs were believed to be interested in trading for Bell before the trade deadline. Thankfully, they didn’t have to give up any compensation then and were instead able to get him for pennies on the dollar just a year later. Kansas City was able to ink Bell to a one-year deal that won’t even cost the team $2M. That’s a dirt-cheap deal for what Bell could potentially do.

So, what should Chiefs Kingdom expect from the player who used to terrorize the Chiefs’ defense? First, he brings incredible depth to the position. The Chiefs’ selected Clyde Edwards-Helaire in the first round of this year’s draft, likely expecting him to fall into the RB2 role.

When presumed starter, Damien Williams, opted out of the season, the rookie was pushed to the front of the pack. And while he’s looked good so far, it’ll be great for him to be pushed by a veteran back with starter potential.

This Bell signing should in no way be viewed as a lack of confidence in Edwards-Helaire. Rather, it brings in a player who’s clearly better than the current RB2, Darrel Williams. Now, the Chiefs have a highly talented rookie who knows how to slice up a defense and a veteran runner with patience and elite pass-catching ability. Edwards-Helaire and Bell are different backs, which gives Andy Reid even more options when he dials up a play.

Bell has a unique skillset for third down plays. At 6″1″ and 225 pounds, he’s big enough to take on blocks in the passing game. And speaking of the passing game, he has the capability to run routes like a wide receiver, which can create something very special on those third down plays as well. Pairing those skills with the league’s most creative quarterback only serves to make this offense even more lethal.

So, what should Bell’s numbers look like? Chiefs fans should not expect him to have a 1,000-yard rushing season. Hopefully, Bell will hit the field in Week 7, so that takes a high-yardage season off the table. Where his presence will most certainly be felt will be in those big-play moments, just when he’s counted on to really come through.

It might be a goal-line situation, where his power can help push through for the touchdown. In those games where it seems like the run game is having a hard time getting started, his patient running style has the ability to get things going. If he contributes 500 rushing yards the rest of this season, it’ll be a success. And if he punches in four or five touchdowns, that’ll be a success as well.

The other consideration when it comes to expectations is the passing game. What has always seemed to put Bell in a different class of running backs is his threat in the receiving game. Just imagine two-back sets with Edwards-Helaire, where Bell splits out last second and creates a great mismatch with a linebacker. Chiefs fans have grown accustomed to Andy Reid doing some exciting things in regards to talented personnel in these situations.

It’s ultimately hard to know just how well the Le’Veon Bell is going to do in a Chiefs uniform. Is he washed up or can he return to his Pittsburgh form? At a minimum, it’s going to be fun and exciting to watch what this offense will do with him in the backfield. Make no mistake about it, though, Bell does increase Kansas City’s chances to repeat as Super Bowl champions in 2020.