The Facts:
Since the Lions signed Bell late in the 2011 season, the former Wayne State star has done nothing but impress, and after 1,197 yards from scrimmage and a team-high eight rushing touchdowns in 2013, Bell will likely have many suitors this offseason. But the restricted free agent said he wants to stay with the Lions. “Of course I want to come back,” Bell said last week.
Reported by the Detroit Free Press
Fantasy Football Diehards Line:
As News staffer Josh Katzenstein notes, Bell and Reggie Bush became the first running back tandem in NFL history to each have 500 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards in a season. The duo is a perfect balance of speed (Bush) and power (Bell). ... But Bell’s future won’t be completely up to him. HC Jim Schwartz and OC Scott Linehan were fired Monday and their replacements will likely have a say in the free-agent acquisitions this season. As good as Bell was in 2013, the Lions have enough running backs to move forward without him in 2014. Bush had 1,006 rushing yards this season and is under contract for the next three seasons. Mikel Leshoure, a second-round pick in 2011, has one year left on his rookie contract, and although he had just two carries this season, he could be part of the team’s plans. Rookie Theo Riddick, a sixth-round pick, could also have an expanded role next year. That said, Katzenstein concedes Bell’s production would be difficult for the Lions to replace. From a fantasy perspective, however, it might be nice to see Bell get sole posession of a job elsewhere.
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