The New York Jets have reportedly expressed interest in trading with the Pittsburgh Steelers for disgruntled running back Le’Veon Bell.
Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News broke this story on Monday afternoon.
“Gang Green has reached out to the Pittsburgh Steelers to express interest in trading for disgruntled All-Pro running back Le’Veon Bell, according to sources.”
Mehta reports the Jets haven’t yet made a concrete offer for Bell but do believe the Steelers are serious about making a trade.
Before Sunday’s NFL games, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the Steelers are now taking phone calls and are open to trading Bell.
The All-Pro running back has not been with the team since this offseason. He’s held out throughout training camp and the first three weeks of the season, foregoing over $2.5 million in game checks.
Bell has been seeking a game-changing long-term extension with Pittsburgh for two years now, and the rumors are that he wants upwards of $17 million per year.
Regardless of what happens — if he’s traded or stays in Pittsburgh — Bell won’t get any extension until after this season. That deadline has already come and gone, which is a big reason why he’s remained away from Pittsburgh so far this season.
Therefore, any team that did pull off a trade would have to do so with some risk, knowing it might be a rental for less than a full season.