This Colts-Jets Trade Involving Le'Veon Bell Could Actually Work

The New York Jets, particularly head coach and offensive play-caller Adam Gase, proved that he had no intention of properly utilizing dynamic running back Le'Veon Bell, who the team signed in free agency last offseason.

The three-time Pro Bowler is fresh off his worst season in the NFL, in which he produced just 789 rushing yards on a lousy 3.2 yards per tote. Bell didn't even excel in the passing game, where he normally flourishes, logging 66 receptions for 461 yards.

If the Jets make the maddening decision to shop the 28-year-old star -- they were previously rumored to be at the 2019 trade deadline -- the Indianapolis Colts have the assets in place to strike a deal.

Bell signed a four-year, $52.5 million contract with New York last offseason. That deal comes with monster cap hits of $13.5 million in 2020 and $15 million in 2020. However, Indianapolis currently has over $25 million in cap space to work with, so the contract shouldn't present much of a problem.

If we've learned anything from this offseason, it's that the market for running backs is brutal. Therefore, the Colts should be able to make a third- and fifth-round pick in this year's draft work to acquire Bell. That's probably the best-case scenario for the Jets, who don't boast a ton of leverage here.

New general manager Joe Douglas seems competent enough to able to turn those two draft picks into something worthwhile for New York. The Colts, meanwhile, would add a stud RB that would feast behind a world-beating offensive line led by All-Pro Quenton Nelson.

Better still, new quarterback Philip Rivers loves throwing to his running backs, and Bell is as good as they come in that department. It's far from a sure thing, but this sort of deal would be a win-win transaction for both teams.