Redskins: 3 running backs to target on the free agent market in 2018
Running Back. Pittsburgh Steelers. Le'Veon Bell. 1. player. 55.
Le’Veon Bell is on his way to becoming one of the best running backs of all time. Bell is the perfect modern day running back. He’s a three down player with excellent size and strength, but he’s versatile enough to be a great pass rusher. Additionally, he is one of the best receiving backs in the league, as his route running skills are off the charts. If he gets to the open market, there will be a major bidding war for his services.
Over the course of the past two seasons, Bell has touched the ball a ridiculous 742 times and has totaled 3,830 scrimmage yards and has scored 20 touchdowns. So, on a yearly basis, that would be 371 touches for 1,915 yards and 10 touchdowns. That type of production is fantastic and could instantaneously change any offense that signs him.
The Redskins have to be one of the teams that are interested in Bell. They have long lacked a top notch running back, as 2008 was the last year of Clinton Portis’ great run. Sure, the team got a run from Alfred Morris, but he regressed in every season after his excellent rookie campaign. They need a true three down back, and that’s something that Bell could definitely give the offense.
In the event that Kirk Cousins leaves, the Redskins could end up being the team that pays big money to get Bell. They could offer him a lucrative, multi-year deal that sees him get into his 30s. If they front load the deal with guarantees, they will protect themselves in the event that Bell slows down as most running backs do into their late 20s. Still, Bell is a once in a generation runner thanks to his trademark patience, strength, and agility.
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Bell could be the type of franchise changer that the Redskins need. If Cousins leaves and the team brings in a young quarterback, Bell could take the load off and carry the offense until the passer is ready to take the reigns and run a balanced offense. Either way, Bell would represent a huge upgrade for the team’s running game if they can land him.