Gase won't say if Jets misused Bell: 'It's irrelevant at this point'
New York Jets head coach Adam Gase evaded questions Wednesday about his usage of running back Le'Veon Bell, who was released from a big-money contract hours earlier.
"It's irrelevant at this point," Gase said, according to SNY.
Bell came to the Jets in March 2019 as a marquee free agent but only appeared in 17 games. He averaged a career-worst 3.2 yards per carry last season and posted 3.9 yards per carry in two outings this year.
From 2013-17 with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Bell averaged 4.3 yards per carry. In three of those five seasons, he averaged 4.7 yards or more. He sat out the 2018 campaign after refusing to sign a second franchise tag with the Steelers.
"It didn't work out," said Gase, whose Jets are still without a win this season. "We have to focus on this game (against the Miami Dolphins) right now."
Bell was a two-time All-Pro with the Steelers hailed for his versatility out of the backfield. The Jets deployed him more conventionally, seemingly reluctant to split him out wide like a receiver or get the ball to him in space.
"I'm sure he'll get an opportunity somewhere else, and we'll see what happens," Gase responded when asked if Bell can still produce.
The Jets still owe Bell about $6 million for the remainder of the season. The 28-year-old originally signed a four-year deal worth $52.5 million. Gase reportedly opposed the contract when former general manager Mike Maccagnan awarded it, though he was said to think highly of Bell as a player.
Gase also told reporters Wednesday that he'll continue to call offensive plays for the Jets, who rank last in the NFL in points per game.