Saints now have seven days to match the offer. Joe Fortenbaugh
Five days ago, the Philadelphia Eagles addressed the defensive side of the football when they signed free agent safety Marlin Jackson.
Tuesday, the Birds made a move on Donovan McNabb’s side of the football.
The Eagles have reached an agreement with restricted free agent running back Mike Bell, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com.
Per Schefter, it’s a one-year contract worth $1.7 million with $500,000 guaranteed. Including all of the incentives, Bell’s deal could be worth up to $2 million.
Since the running back was a restricted free agent that was tendered with the right of first refusal option, the Saints now have seven days to match the offer, or will lose Bell for good.
In addition, New Orleans would receive no draft pick compensation.
The 6’0”, 225-pound running back rushed for 654 yards and five touchdowns for the Saints in 2009. He was integral (17-85-1) in New Orleans’ 48-22 win over Philadelphia in Week 2 when Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas were both battling injuries.
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That's a value offer, surely the Saints match. It takes time to line someone out such a complex multiset scheme. If you like this back's protections ability, there is no need to lose that luxury for the Saints MVB(Most Valuable Brees).
I can't see NO matching the deal for their 3rd RB. He's certainly a capable starter, but with Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush already in the fold, I can't see them spending that kind of money on an injury replacement.
Good signing for PHI.
If you like this back's protections ability, there is no need to lose that luxury for the Saints MVB(Most Valuable Brees).
Mike Bell wore down as the season went on last year, and the Saints already have a capable replacement in Lynell Hamilton.
I think they should let Mike get his money if they aren't up to paying him.
Completely agree with Nocturne. In the first 10 games, Bell had 115 carries, averaging 4.7 yards per with 4 TDs; in the final 6 games he had 57 carries at an average of 2.5 ypc with 1 TD, then was 8-15-0 in the playoffs. Plus they seem to like Hamilton, especially with his ability to play on STs.
This is a good blog, it is encouraging to see people giving value
through great post.Thanks
The Saints already have Lynell Hamilton and they can pick up a quality back up if they think that is needed in the draft or with a undrafted free agent (remember Pierre Thomas) Loomis is a brainy GM
I actually thought he would be a better fit in an elephant role in a 3-4, but the eagles attacking D should still be a solid fit for him.
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Mar 16, 2010
06:56 PM
I've been a Mike Bell fan since his rookie season in Denver. He's a very unsung element of NO's season last year. He's not a 'thunder' back to someone elses lightning role, but a solid, strong all-around RB that while not really a true game changer, is a very capable starting 3-down back. This is a strong signing for Philly. The fans should be pleased with the product.