ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted minutes ago that the Saints will not match the Eagles contract, meaning Mike Bell is poised to compete for the secondary role in the Eagles backfield.
“Filed to ESPN: Saints will not match offer sheet that RB Mike Bell signed with Philadelphia. Bell is now an Eagle,” tweeted Schefter.
Mike Bell will look to move the pile for the Eagles next year.
We’re hardly moved by this and think it’s a minor blip on the radar. Sure, bell can help in short yardage situations, but he’s not much more than that. If LeSean McCoy goes down with an injury, we don’t think Bell can carry the load. There’s a reason Mike Shanahan and Gary Kubiak cut him from the Broncos and Texans, respectively.
Sure, Bell filled in nicely when Pierre Thomas was out. However, the Saints are a team that runs the ball consistently and can throw it at will. The Eagles are one dimensional thanks to Andy Reid.
Furthermore, catching the ball is not something Bell has shown he can do at a high level. The Eagles require that skill and pass blocking from their backs. We don;t see Bell as anything other than a third back. Leonard Weaver will still be the secondary option to McCoy.
