Jets, Buccaneers favored in Le’Veon Bell sweepstakes

Pittsburgh Steelers impending free agent running back Le’Veon Bell will be one of the most exciting players available on the open market, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Jets could be among the leaders to receive his signature.

Le’Veon Bell is on a mission to change how NFL players navigate contract negotiations, as the superstar running back proved his seriousness by sitting out the entire 2018 season.

Though the Pittsburgh Steelers received a breakout season from James Conner, they also missed the playoffs, potentially underscoring Bell’s overall value to the organization.

Though running backs seem to be valued less highly than ever before, partially due to the sheer number of capable rushers in this league, Bell has always touted himself as a “weapon” on offense; he’s equally capable of roasting teams as a rusher and a receiver.

Therefore, Bell could very well get the $17 million per year he’s reportedly seeking.

According to The Athletic’s Chris Burke on Twitter, odds have already been listed for Bell, and it appears the New York Jets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the betting favorites to land the 27-year-old Michigan State product.

These odds jibe with a report from Burke’s colleague at The Athletic, Connor Hughes, who named the Jets, Buccaneers, and Eagles as teams expected to have interest in Bell.

FanSided.com’s Matt Verderame reported that the Oakland Raiders have “real interest” in Bell, who would be a massive addition to an Oakland offense that sorely lacks playmakers.

The same can be said for the Jets offense, as their top running backs last season were Isaiah Crowell, Elijah McGuire, and Bilal Powell, who suffered a career-threatening neck injury.

While Powell is talented and Crowell occasionally has a big game, none of those three running backs can hold a candle to Bell, who had 1,291 yards and nine touchdowns on 321 carries in his last full season.

However, the Jets interest in Bell may be doubtful, based on a recent report from Tony Pauline, who relayed word from the Combine that the Jets may be more interested in targeting cheaper free agent running backs like Tevin Coleman.

The Jets have serious needs all over their roster, so spending on an edge rusher, as Pauline reported, could be a better investment of their money.

That said, second-year quarterback Sam Darnold seriously needs help around him beyond just explosive wideouts Quincy Enunwa and Robby Anderson, so Bell would be a welcome addition.

As for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they have all the ingredients on offense except for a running back.

Even if DeSean Jackson is traded and Adam Humphries walks, the Buccaneers still have three legitimate star pass-catchers around Jameis Winston in Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and O.J. Howard.

Adding Bell into the mix would be almost unfair, and it would also put the onus on Winston to finally deliver a consistently good season.