David Bell made the Browns original 53-man roster, but the wide receiver didn’t make it to Week 1 before being cut. Just before the Chiefs and Ravens kicked off the season, Cleveland parted ways with the Purdue product after two underwhelming seasons. Since entering the league, Bell has recorded just 38 receptions for 381 yards and three touchdowns in 31 games while making six starts.
While Bell didn’t work out in Cleveland, this probably won’t be the end of the road for the former third-round pick. Several teams actively seek more help at the wide receiver position and could sign David Bell after the Browns unceremoniously cut him. Even if it’s just signing him to the practice squad, don’t be surprised if Bell lands with one of the following five teams.
The #Browns waived WR David Bell, their 3rd-round pick from 2022. pic.twitter.com/wSG0uAWBM9
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 5, 2024
5 Teams That Could Sign David Bell After Browns Cut
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots enter Week 1 fully embracing their youth movement. While the team doesn’t want to risk Drake Maye behind an atrocious offensive line, they have no problem throwing youngsters Tyquan Thornton, second-round pick Ja’Lynn Polk, and Demario Douglas to the wolves. Douglas looked legit as a rookie while Polk and Thornton had strong camps, but this will still be one of the worst groups in the league. David Bell might not justify his third-round draft capital, but he could cut it on this underwhelming depth chart. In theory, Bell provides as a possession receiver, and the Patriots could use one of those.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints have two reliable receivers in breakout candidate Chris Olave and deep threat Rashid Shaheed. However, those two won’t be enough to compensate for this atrocious offensive line. Derek Carr is one of the league’s worst passers against pressure, and he’ll need a big body who can win in contested situations, as he’ll probably need to throw the ball before players are open. At 6′-1″ and 212 pounds, David Bell has the physical ability to fill this role and could make a name for himself in New Orleans after the Browns cut him.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers spent the offseason making life as easy as possible for 2023 first-overall pick Bryce Young. With the Diontae Johnson trade and first-round pick Xavier Legette joining Adam Thielen, Carolina has two proven veterans and a high-upside rookie. However, the depth could use some work, as the Panthers finally gave up on former second-round pick Terrace Marshall. David Bell might not reach his ceiling with the Panthers, but the recently cut wideout could compete for a depth spot on an offense with few long-term answers at receiver.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers have the worst collection of wide receivers in the league. Justin Herbert is one of the game’s best quarterbacks, but he won’t catch the Kansas City Chiefs with second-round pick Ladd McConkey and 2023 first-round pick Quentin Johnston. Bell probably won’t be the difference between wins and losses, but it’s too late in the year to go after any proven playmakers. Los Angeles must throw as many darts as possible and hope something sticks, so rolling the dice on David Bell after his cut makes all the sense in the world.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers will not land Brandon Aiyuk, so they must do something about the receiver position. George Pickens is a star in the making, but the present-day version of Russell Wilson needs more than one reliable receiver to run a functioning offense. With no reliable options available, Pittsburgh might as well take a shot on a former division rival. The Steelers can afford to put David Bell on their practice squad, and turning him into a reliable playmaker after the Browns cut him would be the cherry on top.
Main Photo: Bob Donnan – USA Today Sports
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