A year after he led the team in sacks, linebacker Aaron Maybin was released by the Jets on Wednesday, which allowed the team to add another running back -- Kahlil Bell. (US Presswire)

It turned out to be far and away a secondary story following the public (but annonymous) criticisms of Tim Tebow, but there was other Jets news Wednesday: the release of LB Aaron Maybin and the signing of RB Kahlil Bell.

Maybin, a first-round pick by the Bills in 2009, had a standout year in 2011 after Buffalo released him in preseason of 2011. With the Jets last season, he led the team in sacks (six) and they had hoped to see him develop further, especially as a third-down pass rusher. However, Maybin has had a quiet season -- just one total tackle and no sacks.

According to coach Rex Ryan, the move had more to do with numbers than Maybin's play.

"With us having two (running) backs with some questionable things injury wise (Joe McKnight has a sprained ankle, Bilal Powell has a concussion), we felt we had to bring someone in. The numbers haven’t been there for [Maybin] this year. I’ve been encouraged by LB Ricky Sapp this year."

The Jets elevated Sapp from the practice squad to the active roster the week before the Seahawks game. Ryan also didn't rule out bringing Maybin back at some point, but said, "You have to do what's in the best interests of your football team."

To address the issues at running back, the Jets added Bell, who was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Vikings in 2009. He ended up with the Bears, where he played 22 games between 2009 and the beginning of the 2012 season. Bell was released by Chicago on October 15.

Bell said the Jets called him on Monday night to come in for a workout and then made him an offer.

"I"m excited for the opportunity," he said. "I wasn't sure it was going to pan out."

Bell is now taking a crash course on the offense, trying to get ready in the event that he is needed on Sunday.

"(RB coach) Anthony Lynn is getting me caught up," he said. "Most offensives have their similarities, just the terminology is different."

He said the other running backs, including Shonn Greene, are helping him get up to speed as well.

The Jets running game was supposed to be front and center this season, but it has struggled and even more has been added to Greene's plate on game day as a result of the injuries.

The Jets roster currently stands at 52, so another move could be made.

Stay dialed in on the New York Jets by following correspondent Lisa Zimmerman on Twitter @CBSJets and @LisaZimmerman.