Le’Veon Bell drawing interest from Eagles in free agency

The Philadelphia Eagles are interested in signing running back Le’Veon Bell, but the cost of his services could prove to be prohibitive.

Le’Veon Bell might be staying with the state of Pennsylvania.

The New York Jets, Oakland Raiders and, to a lesser degree, Baltimore Ravens remain the favorites to land Le’Veon Bell. However, the Philadelphia Eagles are also interested in acquiring the 27-year-old free agent, per a source with knowledge of the situation. At this juncture, Philadelphia is best described as a dark-horse.

Bell sat out all of last season after being placed on the franchise tag by the Pittsburgh Steelers for a second consecutive year. Now, the former Michigan State star is hoping to cash in. While the Jets have the second-most cap space in the league and a dire need at running back, the Eagles have plenty to offer as well.

In Philadelphia, Bell would play in an offense that includes an elite offensive line, quarterback Carson Wentz, tight end Zach Ertz and wide receivers Alshon Jeffery and Nelson Agholor. Additionally, there are reports that the Eagles are set to sign wide receiver DeSean Jackson once his release becomes official from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

All that said, there’s a question of cap space for General Manager Howie Roseman. The Eagles entered the day with roughly $30 million to spend, but Roseman has already locked up defensive lineman Malik Jackson on a three-year, $30 million pact. Factor in the reported deal for Jackson, and money gets tight quickly.

The free agency tampering period began on Monday at noon ET, but deals can’t become official with free agents of other teams until 4  p.m. ET on Wednesday afternoon.