Practice squad gem wideout Ronnie Bell could sign with Ravens, Chiefs after his release from the San Francisco 49ers. According to multiple sources, the 49ers are officially starting to clean up shop this offseason since finishing their regular season in a loss against the Detroit Lions. This seems like a no-brainer move considering the 49ers are not partaking in the postseason after missing it under the Brock Purdy era. The team has plenty of decisions to make before the free agency in March, including Purdy, Dre Greenlaw, Deebo Samuel and Chavarius Ward so Bell’s release is just the beginning.
Originally selected in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the former Michigan product made his debut, earning his spot on the 53-man roster while appearing in nine out of the first 11 games of the regular season. He was originally on waivers in November but was sitting on the practice squad behind a heavy squad of pass catchers on the depth chart, including Ricky Pearsall and Brandon Aiyuk. Bell will explore his options but he’s still a reliable additional wide receiver that could provide some stability for a quarterback in a team’s passing game. However, it shouldn’t be too long before a playoff team claims him off waivers since most rosters are always looking for depth during this time.
Practice Squad Gem Ronnie Bell Could Sign With Ravens, Chiefs After Release
The Johnson Effect
The Baltimore Ravens had all of the leverage heading into this postseason but with Zay Flowers battling an injury, things may turn out ugly in the wild-card matchup against the Steelers. While it’s just one pass catcher, it’s still their No. 1 receiver on the field that’s been explosive for Lamar Jackson’s chemistry with the offense. They might have to depend on the run game with Derrick Henry but the team must move smart since he does have a strong history of injuries. However, whatever happens to Flowers, it will be up to Rashod Bateman and Nelson Agholor in the worst way against one of the best defenses in the league in this upcoming matchup.
After waiving Diontae Johnson, Baltimore hasn’t had any luck finding a new pass catcher since releasing Odell Beckham Jr. this past offseason. While Beckham is available, they might have to settle for Ronnie Bell who could step up as the fourth man sharing snaps with DeVontez Walker. Bell is the last wideout on their minds but he could be a nice set of new hands for Jackson to make a couple of plays.
Reinforcements for Super Bowls
On the other stick, the Kansas City Chiefs are finally figuring out their wide receiving room this postseason, but the future doesn’t look promising no matter what happens. Several impending free agents like Marquise Brown and DeAndre Hopkins probably won’t return. At the same time, that leaves upcoming second-year Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice is yet to face punishment from his suspension. Tight end Travis Kelce is no god given his age so this will likely leave the Chiefs scrambling for quick answers for quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
If Brown and Hopkins don’t return, they might have to brace for impact and sign a few receivers from free agency for depth. Ronnie Bell is no superstar but it gives Mahomes temporary as he can make any receiver special given his godly arm. However, the Chiefs have been no stranger to adding new weapons to the practice squad since signing Tyquan Thornton, so the same thing could probably happen to Bell.
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