Yeremiah

Bell

Bell had earned a part-time role since Jim Bates took over. It’s the third straight year he’s ended a season with injury, dating back to college.

Rookie Quintin Williams is expected to move up on the depth chart in Bell’s absence.

In a 16 team dynasty league with 45 man rosters? Then you’ll want to watch this position battle in the late summer.

Traveres Tillman is limited by injuries, while Lance Schulters is learning the defense. We expecte Schulters to start by week one.

Bell should be a good low-risk gamble for clubs in need of a hitter at strong safety like the Raiders and Rams. At worst, he’ll be a top special teams player. Bell is over sixth months removed from a torn Achilles’ tendon.

Other teams were surprisingly slow to pursue Wilson even though he’s only 27 and a difference-making hitter in the back end. He wasn’t the main problem in Oakland’s secondary last year and finished with more tackles than any DB in the game, although he missed his fair share too. Still, he also has ballhawking skills and came at a tremendous discount; $8M guaranteed is chump change in this market. Yeremiah Bell figures to leave in free agency now.

Bell was a Dolphins starter for the past six years. Though still an effective run-stopping “box” safety, Bell’s cover skills have diminished at age 34. His release clears $4.3 million in salary off the books, and saves over $4 million under the cap. Bell may get a look in Atlanta from former defensive coordinator Mike Nolan, perhaps as competition for William Moore. The Dolphins could consider playing Richard Marshall at free safety and Reshad Jones at strong safety, although this is a position they’ll almost certainly address in April’s draft.

The extent of Philly’s interest is unclear, but Bell could push 2011 second-round pick Jaiquawn Jarrett after a rough rookie season. Bell is 34 years old, so he’d at best be a short-term fix. He’s a “box” safety only at this point.

According to agent Drew Rosenhaus, Bell will not be re-signing with the Dolphins. The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported four days ago Miami hadn’t ruled out bringing him back. One month removed from his 34th birthday and a liability in coverage, Bell will be hard pressed to land a starting job.

It’s Bell’s first known visit since he was released by the Dolphins on March 19. He’s also reportedly drawn interest from the Patriots and Eagles. Bell could push Eric Smith for playing time in New York. Smith struggled in 2011.