Earlier in the free agency period, it was learned that the Eagles had some interest in 4-year veteran runner Mike Bell. Now it’s been confirmed that the team has scheduled a visit with him at the NovaCare Complex in Philadelphia; the meeting is supposed to occur later in the week, but could come as soon as tomorrow depending on negotiations between the organization and Bell’s agent.

The rotational running back has played for the Saints since 2008, and made significant contributions to their offensive unit in 2009, which assisted in their winning of the Super Bowl. In spite of Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas — two very capable, explosive players on the  depth chart ahead of him — Bell managed to step in here and there and record five touchdowns on the season. In addition, the Arizona product played in a trio of games as a replacement starter, and has gone over 650 yards rushing in two separate seasons in his career (quite good considering he’s been primarily used as a reserve).

Bell also played for the Denver Broncos from 2006 to ’07, and seems to be one of the better RBs remaining on the market in terms of guys with the ability to step into the lineup and produce effectively on a consistent basis. At 26 years old, he clearly has plenty of gas left in the tank, and could provide the Eagles with a decent option as a rotational player to benefit and conserve young starter LeSean McCoy. And though he’s officially a restricted free agent, Bell was offered the lowest possible tender contract from New Orleans; this means that even if the Eagles were to win a bid for his services, they would not be required to give the Saints compensation in exchange.

The Eagles hosted Justin Fargas—another free agent runner—for a meeting in Philly at the end of last week and over the weekend, but it appears discussions with the Raiders’ veteran have evaporated. The powerful Oakland rusher expressed interest in agreeing to a deal with the team, and signs were suggesting that he would indeed become a member of the club, but ever since he left his initial stop at the NovaCare Complex without a contract, talks of him suiting up in midnight green have disappeared. The news that Bell is set to meet with the team virtually assures the fact that Fargas’ chances of coming to the Eagles have been eliminated.

No related posts.