The Chiefs, Ravens may sign 49ers cut free agent wide receiver, Ronnie Bell this season before the NFL postseason. According to multiple reports, the San Francisco 49ers are officially parting ways with the wideout in a surprising move after releasing offensive lineman Cameron Irving from the practice squad. This leaves five active playmakers for Brock Purdy’s offense despite dealing with injuries but many expect him to be healthy for the rest of the year. Originally selected in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Michigan product never got a full-time starting role, recording seven receptions for 80 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
To no fault of his own, he probably was never going to get a bigger role since the 49ers have plenty of playmakers like Deebo Samuel and Ricky Pearsall as their main top two targets. Despite losing Brandon Aiyuk for the rest of the season, the young prospect didn’t fold the same momentum he had in 2023 into this year’s campaign after dropping a crucial pass against the Los Angeles Rams in week 3. Some say it should’ve been sooner but it’s still a surprise that San Francisco didn’t give Bell any more playing time for him to shine. Many shouldn’t expect Bell to make the starting team next for whoever wants to sign him so a practice squad destination might be what’s next for him.
However, the Chiefs and Ravens could bring in a flier like him to bolster their wide receiving corps since these two teams will likely face off in the AFC Championship game.
More Help for Lamar Jackson
The Baltimore Ravens have all the motion going for them in their offense since signing Derrick Henry this past offseason. Lamar Jackson is thriving in the pocket while getting great looks from Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman and Nelson Agholor. However, since trading for Diontae Johnson, they haven’t been able to utilize the success of their passing game for him to get him involved in their offense. It’s been a disappointment but it’s a chance for the Ravens to grab a few receivers in the reserve role to build on for years to come.
Ronnie Bell won’t get the starting role but the size and agility with upside potential he has could be a great asset of what Baltimore is looking for. It seems like the Ravens’ offense doesn’t excel with tall heavyweight receivers so small-sized speedy playmakers may be what’s best for the team moving forward. Bell’s playing abilities won’t be able to compensate for the atrocious defense, but a chance to get another look in their passing game. Agholor is aging and Bateman has his moments so a Bell signing wouldn’t hurt their pockets.
Revitalizing Kansas City
The Chiefs are 11-1 but they easily could have more losses on their record after their close win against the Las Vegas Raiders. Patrick Mahomes doesn’t look like he’ll be back at MVP level this season but to no fault, they don’t have a lot of dependable options. They have plenty of weapons but none of them have enough experience with the team to stay consistent. Kansas City brought in DeAndre Hopkins in a trade to replace Marquise Brown and Rashee Rice while they recover from their injuries, but he doesn’t look like he’ll last.
Hopkins struggles to make an impact while rookie Xavier Worthy is adjusting to NFL life. However, they brought in wide receiver Tyquan Thornton on the practice squad a couple of weeks ago and that could happen the same for Bell. The young receiver might’ve not proven what he could do but the Chiefs may sign him to elevate him and Thornton to be possible reserve replacements over Mecole Hardman and JuJu Smith-Schuster.
