Mike Bell is headed to Philadelphia after the Saints chose not to match an offer sheet the restricted free agent signed with the Eagles, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The move is not a surprise; the Saints never appeared that interested in keeping him.
Bell came to New Orleans with his career on life support, but wound up leading the Super Bowl champions in carries during the regular season with 172. His role rapidly diminished in the playoffs, getting only two carries in the Saints’ final two wins.
(The Saints’ win helped save Bell from going down in infamy.)
The Eagles will pay Bell $1.7 million, assuming he makes the team. $500,000 is guaranteed, which was enough to scare the Saints off. In Bell and fullback Leonard Weaver, the Eagles have a pair of steady options for short-yardage situations.
LeSean McCoy is expected to start at running back.