By DENNIS WASZAK Jr.
AP Pro Football Writer

NEW YORK (AP) - A person with direct knowledge of the negotiations says the New York Jets and former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell have agreed on a deal.

ESPN first reported the signing early Wednesday morning, and says the deal is for four years and $52.5 million.

The deal gives new coach Adam Gase and second-year quarterback Sam Darnold a big-time playmaker, arguably the best player at his position before Bell opted to sit out all of last season rather than sign a franchise tender with Pittsburgh.

Bell has rushed for 5,336 yards and 35 touchdowns, and has 312 catches for 2,660 yards and seven scores as one of the most versatile and dangerous offensive players in the NFL. His 128.9 yards from scrimmage per game over his career is the best mark in the NFL since the 1970 merger.

Bell's career reached a crossroads, however, last year when he declined to sign his one-year, $14.4 million franchise tender with the Steelers and made himself ineligible to play. It was an unprecedented move as Bell - who received the franchise tag in two straight years - skipped a season in his prime to preserve his long-term health and secure a big payday.

More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL

Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.