Should the Lions Make a Trade for Jets RB Le'Veon Bell?

It's been no secret that since the injury to Kerryon Johnson, Detroit general manager Bob Quinn has been looking to improve the running back position.

The NFL trade deadline is today at 4 p.m. (EST), so time is running out for the Lions to strike a deal.

Recent reports have suggested that perennial Pro Bowl running back Le'Veon Bell is on the trade block.

Bell signed a four-year, $52.5 million deal with the New York Jets this past offseason. That's a pretty steep price tag for an aging running back.

Now, with the Jets' season going down the drain, they may be willing to part with their star back in order to free up cap space for the future.

One positive for any potential trade partner is that the Jets would be on the hook for his remaining signing bonus.

Bell's new average annual salary would roughly be around $12.6 million through the 2022 season.

Could the Lions make a deal with the Jets and bring the former Michigan State back to Motown?

Make no mistake, Bell would bring a dual-threat presence into the Lions' backfield, and it's something the Lions are badly lacking right now.

Unfortunately, the Lions' offensive line has struggled to open up holes for its backs all season long.

Detroit's line currently ranks as the sixth-worst O-line in terms of yards gained before contact.

With Bell's patient running style, it's hard to imagine him having a ton of rushing success. That's not to say he isn't head-and-shoulders better than the rest of the backs on Detroit's roster.

Despite the fact that Bell hasn't received much blocking help in New York, either, he still has the 10th-most avoided tackles for a running back, per Pro Football Focus.

His 2.99 yards after contact almost amount to his 3.2 yards per carry average on the season.

It is unclear what the Jets are looking for in return for Bell's services, at this time. If they are just looking to get out from under his contract, the ask could be cheap.

According to Connor Hughes of The Athletic New York, Bell's price tag still remains rather high, though.

From my understanding, talking to sources, #Jets aren’t shopping LeVeon Bell as much as teams are calling them. They heard fire sale, and phoned Douglas to see price.

Is there a price? Yes. It’s high. #Chiefs & #Texans most interested. Chiefs have more to possibly get it done
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) October 29, 2019

If that is, in fact, the case, it probably precludes the Lions from making a deal.

The Lions need to find a running back, and Bell should, at least, be a consideration at the right price.

More: Pros and Cons of Trading for Melvin Gordon

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