New York Jets Release LB Aaron “Mayhem” Maybin. Sign Ex-Bears RB Kahlil Bell

In what some would consider a surprising move, the New York Jets released LB Aaron Maybin on Tuesday, November 13th. They also signed ex-Bears running back Kahlil Bell, adding depth to a depleted running back corps. Aaron “Mayhem” Maybin led the Jets in sacks (6) in 2011 and was hoping to develop into more of an every-down linebacker for the Jets. However, after 8 games into the season, he hadn’t registered a single sack and was a healthy scratch this past Sunday when the Jets visited Seattle. Maybin was drafted 11th overall by the Buffalo Bills in 2009. While they had hoped he would be the answer to their pass rush, the Bills and their fans soon classified Maybin as a bust after he failed to register a single sack in his 2 seasons with the team. When he was eventually released by the Bills in August of 2011, the Jets took a chance and signed him to a one year contract at the league minimum on August 17th. They would later release him a few weeks later on September 4th, only to re-sign him on September 27th. Once he took the field for the Jets, he made an instant impact and continued to contribute for the rest of the season. While most of 2011 was filled with heartbreak for Jets fans, Maybin was one of the few feel good stories. Rex seemed to have turned a bust into a star and Maybin seemed to have salvaged his sinking career. Now, it seems that both Maybin and the Jets will be moving on. Kahlil Bell was signed by the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2009 but, after being waived, caught on with the Bears and has been with Chicago off and on up until about a month ago. He showed some good, hard running at times when he played in relief of Matt Forte, but it’s hard to see him climbing up the depth chart with only 8 games left. However, if he gets a shot and provides a spark, I think the Jets will ride the hot hand at any position that has one.