History Bodes Well for the Jets when they Trade for a Running Back

There has been a lot of chatter this week about New York being a potential landing spot for the disgruntled Le’Veon Bell. It was reported that the Jets had reached out to the Steelers about what his trade cost would be.

The Steelers are reportedly “actively shopping” Bell and are asking for “a second-round pick and a good player,” per Ian Rapoport.

The Jets have not made a concrete offer for Bell yet, but the Steelers are serious about moving the dynamic offensive weapon.

If history is our greatest professor, then the Jets acquiring Le’Veon Bell would be a successful venture.

In 2007, the Chicago Bears agreed to trade running back Thomas Jones to the New York Jets for a second-round draft pick. Jones rushed for 1,210 yards and six touchdowns in helping the Bears make the Super Bowl the previous year. The Jets sought a back at this time since the great Curtis Martin was sidelined by knee problems.

In 44 games as a Jet, Jones rushed for 3,833 yards and 28 touchdowns on 931 carries. The Jets had a 1,000-yard rusher for three consecutive seasons (2007, 2008, 2009) which by every measure is considered successful.

For a team that has been absent of a 1,000-yard rusher since 2015 (Chris Ivory), an upgrade behind rookie quarterback Sam Darnold is necessary. The season is young, and the Jets have a decent stable of running backs, but in the rare instance a player of Bell’s caliber becomes available, it is imperative that you do your “due diligence.”

It is only a matter of time before Bell is wearing new threads.

Le'Veon Bell in Pro Bowl attire