Kansas City Chiefs recruit Le'Veon Bell said he is excited about the opportunity to reinvent himself with the NFL Super Bowl champions.
Bell was cut by the New York Jets last week – less than halfway through the four-year, $52.5million contract he signed as a marquee free agent in 2019.
The three-time Pro Bowler and running back is now a member of the Chiefs after signing a one-year deal in Kansas City, where he will team up with former MVP and Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes.
Bell is determined to return to his best, having averaged 3.3 yards per carry and four total touchdowns in 17 games for the Jets following his arrival at the end of 2018.
"I played at a high level for so long," Bell said on Wednesday. "I had two years [with the Jets] where it has not been a high level, and people kind of look at it like that.
"So I wanted to get here, get my feet back under me, get in a good offense, get the ball when I can [and] not have too much pressure on me, just play football.
"I think coming here will give me the opportunity to do that. There are a lot of [good] players. I don't necessarily have to worry about how many times I'm touching it."
After sitting out the 2018 season due to a contract dispute with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Bell moved to the Jets and struggled to reach his lofty heights.
Bell was reportedly unhappy about his usage in the Jets' offense and, following the 30-10 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 5, liked tweets suggesting he be traded.
The All-Pro spent three weeks on injured reserve after suffering a hamstring injury in the Jets' opening loss at the Buffalo Bills.
Bell added: "I never played with a player MVP-wise."
"It was just undeniable to try to come here to help this team any way I can help them out," Bell said. "When I decided to come here, I already knew the weapons, and there's only one football to kind of go around.
"I think there's going to be a lot of opportunity to kind of show what I can do in space, running routes. I think this offense is a good fit for my skill set. I think coach [Andy] Reid does a good job of getting backs the ball in space. I'm glad I've got this opportunity."
Bell has had over 1,200 rushing yards in three separate seasons, but the last of those was in 2017.
Since entering the league as the 48th pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, Bell has rushed for 6,199 yards and 38 touchdowns, while receiving for 3,160 yards and eight TDs.
Chiefs quarterback Mahomes – preparing for Sunday's clash against the Denver Broncos – said: "He's a mismatch coming out of the backfield. The way he's able to run routes, the way he's able to split out and basically be a receiver out there is pretty special.
"He's going to get a lot of matchups I don't think he's had recently with a lot of linebackers on him, and I'm sure he's pretty excited about that."