Jets Haven't Engaged in Le'Veon Bell Trade Talks, Says GM Joe Douglas

New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas said on Tuesday at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine that the team hasn't held any discussions about a potential trade of running back Le'Veon Bell.

"There hasn't been talk about him going anywhere," Douglas told reporters. "We're excited about Le'Veon. We're excited to have him here."

The Jets signed Bell to a four-year, $52.5 million contract last March after he sat out the entire 2018 season while refusing to play under the franchise tag for a second straight year with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

His signing, which was completed by former Jets GM Mike Maccagnan, has created lingering tension between head coach Adam Gase and the front office.

"He's under contract for three more years," Gase told reporters in December when asked about whether he wanted Bell to return. "You can ask [Douglas] tomorrow. ... I'm not in charge of personnel."

Meanwhile, Bell failed to reach his previous All-Pro form during his first season in New York.

The 28-year-old posted a career-low 3.2 yards per carry (789 yards on 245 attempts) with three touchdowns in 15 games. He added 66 receptions, his lowest total in a season when he played at least 12 contests, for 461 yards and one score.

Those numbers, along with his $15.5 million cap hit and the $10.5 million in dead space that would be left is he's traded, make a deal an extreme long shot, even if the Jets, who finished 7-9, were trying to move him.

So Douglas and Co. have few options beyond keeping Bell for another season and will hope he can bounce back with a strong 2020 season.