The Baltimore Ravens released running back Le’Veon Bell on Tuesday.
Bell ran for just 83 yards on 31 carries (2.7 yards per carry) in his five games with Baltimore. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler first broke the news, and Bell took to Twitter to thank the Ravens organization. The Ravens formally announced the move later Tuesday.
“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 gotta whole new meaning of what this city is like [and] it’s a great place to be. I appreciate [Ravens general manager] Eric [DeCosta] and John Harbaugh for the opportunity to be called a Raven.”
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 🖤💜 I appreciate Eric Decasta & John Harbaugh for the opportunity to be called an Raven pic.twitter.com/428poGYsNO
— Le’Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell) November 16, 2021
Bell’s best game was in Week 9 against Minnesota when he totaled 48 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries.
The Ravens signed Bell, alongside veterans Devonta Freeman and Latavius Murray, after their top three running backs — J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards and Justice Hill — all went down with season-ending injuries late in training camp.
Murray and Freeman have both had more success with the Ravens than the former Steelers bellcow. Ty’Son Williams and practice squad running back Nate McCrary will compete for the third running back spot on game days.
This could be the end of Bell’s eight-year NFL career. In Pittsburgh, he was one of the most productive running backs in the league with the versatility as both a rusher and pass catcher. But due to contract disputes with the Steelers, he sat out the entire 2018 season before signing a large contract with the Jets. He was released from the Jets in 2020 and ended the season with the Chiefs.
The Ravens also released tackle Jaryd Jones-Smith from the practice squad Tuesday.
• Jacob Calvin Meyer can be reached at jmeyer@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.