Report: Jets to sign Le'Veon Bell to 4-year, $52.5M deal

Le'Veon Bell is back.

The former Pittsburgh Steelers running back plans to sign with the New York Jets when free agency officially opens Wednesday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports, citing a source.

Bell, who sat out the entire 2018 season while refusing to sign the franchise tag with the Steelers, will reportedly receive a four-year, $52.5-million deal with a max value of $61 million and $35 million in guarantees to join New York.

The former second-round pick out of Michigan State will receive just north of $13 million per season, placing him behind only Todd Gurley in terms of annual average among running backs.

Bell was one of the NFL's marquee running backs throughout his career in Pittsburgh. He topped 1,200 rushing yards and 75 receptions three different times over that five-year stretch, earning himself a trip to the Pro Bowl on each occasion.

The 27-year-old's ability to make plays in all facets of the offensive game gives the Jets a cornerstone talent to feature alongside second-year quarterback Sam Darnold.