If you blinked you might have missed it, but Le’Veon Bell’s time with the Ravens is over.
The former All-Pro running back was released by the Ravens on Tuesday, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler confirmed. Bell had previously posted a note on his Twitter account that appeared to signify a release.
“This hurts, but it’s been a blessing to be here to say the least, I’ve enjoyed every second of this short period & gotta whole new meaning of what this city is like & it’s a great place to be,” the former Steelers star wrote. “I appreciate [Ravens GM] Eric [DeCosta] & [head coach] John Harbaugh for the opportunity to be called a Raven.”
Bell appeared in five games with the Ravens after signing with the team’s practice squad before the season began. He totaled 83 rushing yards on 31 carries (2.7 Y/C), scoring two touchdowns.
The 29-year-old Bell has yet to stick at any of his landing spots since the Steelers moved on from him. After holding out for the entire 2018 season as he sought a long-term contract, the Jets signed him to a four-year, $52.5 million contract in 2019. But New York released him less than two unproductive years into the deal. He signed with the Chiefs halfway through the 2020 season, but was inactive during the team’s Super Bowl loss to the Buccaneers.
The Ravens were forced to remake their running back room after their top three ball-carriers – J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards and Justice Hill – all suffered season-ending injuries in training camp. Along with Bell, the team added Devonta Freeman and Latavius Murray, who were both activated earlier than the ex-Jet.
Murray has missed the Ravens’ last four games with an ankle injury, but Bell’s release could signal that he is close to returning. Bell appears to be the odd man out, as both Murray and Freeman have been more productive with their carries (each has more than 200 yards rushing on the season).