In two seasons with the Detroit Lions, Joique Bell has proven he has every bit the talent of a starting running back in the NFL. The second-year running back signed with the team in 2011 and has done nothing but impress with the carries he has been given. Settling for a role as backup, Bell appeared to outshine Reggie Bush during games this season. As he enters restricted free agency, Bell has no plans to leave his hometown team.
In 2013, Bell put up a total of 1,197 yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns in 2013, all while sharing the carries with Bush. This has certainly brightened his spotlight and as a young star in the making, plenty of teams will likely be targeting Bell with a new contract. However, the backup, who is from the Detroit area, is only thinking about the Lions and spending a lot more time with the team.
"Of course I want to come back," Bell said, via the Detroit Free Press. "Like I told (the reporter) my first year when I got here, I want to finish my career here, and let's make it happen. I don't want to go nowhere. Obviously, this is a team sport, so regardless of what I did individually, I didn't do enough for us to win more games, and that's why we're not going to the playoffs."
Bell appears fine with the idea of once again backing up Bush. In 2013, the duo became the first running back tandem to each have over 500 yards rushing and 500 yards receiving in one season. The Lions got the best of both worlds as Bush is more of a speed back while Bell is a power guy, thriving on contact.
Bell's future is not totally in his hands. The Lions are going through a transition phase after firing head coach Jim Schwartz and a crowded running back roster makes Bell expendable. Bush is under contract for the next three years. Mikel Leshoure still has one more season remaining on his rookie contract and despite only getting two carries in 2013, the Lions appear comfortable keeping him. Theo Riddick is also available.
Bell is used to bouncing around the league. He has been with four teams in two years, but is hopeful to have some consistency with the Lions. However, if he is let go, which teams would take a look at the young star?
The Jacksonville Jaguars are an option as the team announced plans to let Maurice Jones-Drew test the free agent market. The Cleveland Browns will be in need of a new starting running back after the team traded away Trent Richardson. The Oakland Raiders are also a target if Darren McFadden does not stick around.
