Miami Dolphins pursuing Le’Veon Bell. And an encouraging update on Van Noy
The Miami Dolphins are strongly pursuing two-time All Pro running back Le’Veon Bell, two sources told the Miami Herald.
Bell became a free agent at 4 p.m. Wednesday after he was released by the New York Jets.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Thursday morning that Bell intends to sign with Miami, Kansas City or Buffalo, with a decision potentially coming as early as Thursday.
Bills coach Sean McDermott confirmed Buffalo interest in Bell, but Dolphins coach Brian Flores declined to say whether Miami is interested, deferring to general manager Chris Grier, who is usually unavailable to reporters.
Grier often defers to Flores on personnel issues.
“That’s really more of a question for Chris [Grier],” Flores said. “My focus is on [preparing for] the Jets and the players they have on their team. I’ve said this before, he’s a very good player, as a personnel staff, an organization, [we consider] anyone available who can help our team.”
But on Wednesday, Flores said Bell “is a great player. We all know that. Has had a lot of production, dynamic player.”
The Jets released Bell this week after he expressed displeasure about his role. He was a three-time Pro Bowler with Pittsburgh — as recently as 2017 — but averaged just 3.2 yards per carry last season and 3.9 this season (19 carries for 74 yards).
Bell, 28, has offset language on the $6 million in remaining base salary for this season, so whatever he earns elsewhere will be deducted from that amount for the Jets.
But NFL Network reported this is a provision in the contract that would allow Bell to double-dip and get both the $6 million from the Jets and a sizable amount from a new team. And the Dolphins are being aggressive financially, according to NFL Net.
Bell has 6,199 yards rushing on 4.2 per carry and 38 rushing touchdowns, plus eight receiving touchdowns, in seven seasons. He spent his first five seasons with Pittsburgh. He sat out the 2018 season in a contract dispute with the Steelers.
The Dolphins are averaging 3.7 yards per carry, which is the third-worst in the NFL.
VAN NOY UPDATE
Dolphins linebacker Kyle Van Noy’s groin injury does not appear to be serious and might not even keep him out of Sunday’s game against the Jets.
Van Noy returned to practice on Thursday and was a participant in the limited portion of practice open to reporters.
“He’s a tough guy,” Dolphins coach Brian Flores said Thursday. “A focal point and a big part to this defense. He’s doing everything he can to get back. Hopefully we’ll see him today [at practice]. When somebody’s nicked up, you go through the contingency plan. We have a plan if we had to limit his snaps.”
It’s not exactly clear how — or even when — Van Noy got hurt. He didn’t leave last Sunday’s game against the 49ers early, and the team did not announce an injury.
If he cannot go, or does play in a limited capacity, expect a large role for Andrew Van Ginkel, who has emerged as a force in his second year with the team.
▪ The Atlanta Falcons are the latest team to close their doors due to multiple COVID-19 positive tests — just two days before they were supposed to fly to Minnesota to play the Vikings.
It’s the latest setback in the league’s goal to play 256 games in 17 weeks, and makes it more likely the NFL will have to add a second bye and extend the season to an 18th week.
“Literally just heard about that,” Flores said. “It’s unfortunate. I think a lot of teams are doing everything they can to limit the spread of this virus. Unfortunately, it’s hit a couple teams. We’re going to control what we can control and follow the lead of the league. If they add a bye, I can have an opinion about it, but I’m going to put my focus on my team.”
The league will continue to “do what needs to be done to play games and play a season. Whatever that means, if it’s an 18th week, another bye, more changes to the schedule, that’s what we’ll do,” Flores added.
When asked if the Dolphins reach out to teams with an outbreak to learn from what went wrong, Flores replied:
“We’re always trying to find different ways to get better. Kyle Johnston and our medical staff are constantly trying [to find ways to get better] ... from a meeting standpoint, walk-through standpoint, practice standpoint. We’re trying to find ways to mitigate the risks on a daily basis.
“It’s important to all of us. It’s not [just] about the game, it’s about keeping everybody here safe and healthy. This isn’t about playing 18, finishing the season. That’s important. The more important thing is the health and safety of everyone in this building.”
▪ On Jason Sanders, the NFL’s most accurate kicker in 2020:
“No one really thinks about those specialists until we’re down to the wire. Jason’s done a great job. I think it’s important to him that he continues to improve and get better. ... It’s been good thus far. [He needs to] keep going in that direction.”
Flores added the Dolphins are “very pleased with where he is field goals, as well as kickoffs.”
▪ With defensive tackle Davon Godchaux out indefinitely due to injury, will rookie Raekwon Davis see an increased role?
“Raekwon has got a lot of talent. He’s big, strong, athletic. But he’s young. Young player, still learning how to play in this league against a lot of good players. He’s still trying to find his way, his niche, his role within this scheme. As a staff, we’re trying to put him in the best position to do well.
“With the injury to Godchaux, [there will be] a few more opportunities. ... Hopefully he takes advantage of those opportunities.”
This story was originally published October 15, 2020 at 9:15 AM.
