Le’Veon Bell is set to hit the NFL free agent market after the Pittsburgh Steelers decided not to place the franchise tag on the star running back.
Bell sat out the entire 2018 season after not being able to come to terms on a contract with Pittsburgh. The 27-year-old likely will seek a lucrative, long-term deal. Bell reportedly already has some suitors eyeing his services, but an AFC East team apparently has emerged as the favorite.
The Athletic’s Connor Hughes reported Monday citing a “high-profile agent” the New York Jets are “undeniably the favorite” to lock up the three-time Pro Bowl selection. Bell certainly would add a spark to a New York team that finished 4-12 last season, as well as provide a big weapon for quarterback Sam Darnold.
While the Philadelphia Eagles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been connected to Bell, the Jets may have the best shot at acquiring the versatile back to their salary cap flexibility.
But after all is said and done, it may very well come down to which team can fork over the most money for Bell.
