Niner Noise
FanSided

49ers 2019 NFL free agency plans: Latest news, rumors and reports

By Peter Panacy

SAN FRANCISCO - DECEMBER 14: A San Francisco 49ers helmet sits on the field prior to their game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park on December 14, 2009 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO - DECEMBER 14: A San Francisco 49ers helmet sits on the field prior to their game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park on December 14, 2009 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – JANUARY 14: Le’Veon Bell #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Heinz Field on January 14, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – JANUARY 14: Le’Veon Bell #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Heinz Field on January 14, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

49ers Linked to Running Back Le’Veon Bell

This one seems like a bit of an oddity. But according to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen (h/t Evan Silva), the Niners are apparently interested in longtime Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell:

While it wouldn’t be a shock to see the 49ers add another running back this offseason, Bell is too big a name after San Francisco inked Jerick McKinnon to a lucrative four-year deal in 2018.

McKinnon, of course, missed all of last year with an ACL tear, which would possibly prompt the Niners to find some insurance.

Probably not of Bell’s caliber, though.

If anything, this could be a move by either the 49ers or Bell’s agent to drive up the price tag — one which the New York Jets may happily pay with their own lofty amount of cap space.

You know, something like this:

It’s important to remember, agents are responsible for getting the most for their clients, even if that means leaking or fabricating (not saying that’s what’s going on here… rather admitting the possibility) interest from other teams.

If it works out in Bell’s favor, great. But it’s oh so hard to see San Francisco having legitimate interest.