Now we can say it for sure: running back Mike Bell is an Eagle for the 2010 season, confirmed general manager Howie Roseman on Tuesday night.
"We're excited to have him," said Roseman. "The wait was worth it."
Bell visited the NovaCare Complex last week and signed a one-year offer sheet worth a reported $1.7 million, with incentives that could push the number past $2 million. The Saints had seven days to match the offer sheet and retain Bell, or not match the offer sheet and instead allow Bell to become an Eagle, with no compensation paid to New Orleans. The deadline was 11:59 on Tuesday night for the Saints to make their decision.
Word broke late Tuesday night that the Saints, who had not commented on the matter, had decided not to match the offer. Bell rushed for 654 yards last year with the Saints and is expected to be a good partner with LeSean McCoy in the Eagles' backfield, with McCoy taking the lead role.
-- Posted by Dave Spadaro, 11:08 p.m., March 23
