The New York Jets have reportedly contacted the Pittsburgh Steelers about star running back Le'Veon Bell, who is reportedly on the trading block as his holdout continues.
The Jets' phone call with the Steelers was reportedly described as a preliminary conversation with no offer, though it's worth noting they're one of a handful of teams that have enough cap space to absorb Bell's 2018 salary which is approximately $11.9 million at this point after missing the first three weeks of the season. The 26-year old star forfeits $852,941 each week he fails to sign his $14.5 million franchise tag.
The New York Daily News' Manish Mehta reports, "The Jets have not made a concrete offer for Bell yet, but they believe that the Steelers are serious about moving the dynamic offensive weapon." The Jets have approximately $17 million in cap space, and their 2019 figure is projected at $90 million, which they could use to sign Bell to a long-term deal as a free agent next off-season.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Sunday that the Steelers are now listening to trade offers for Bell, although the inner workings of a deal would be a bit complex. Based on the franchise tag rules, he can't sign a long-term contract (with the Steelers or another team) until after the season, according to ESPN.
Of course, if the Jets, or any team, were to make a deal for Bell before the October 30 trade deadline it would likely mean they have a multi-year agreement in place.
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