The New York Jets have a ton of salary cap space and an obvious need for a play-making running back, which is why they have been consistently linked to Le’Veon Bell. However, if Bell continues to make outrageous salary demands, he may have to look for work elsewhere.
Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News reports that the Jets are not planning to “break the bank” for Bell in free agency. Even if the team believes in Bell’s ability to play a huge role in the backfield with Sam Darnold, there is apparently some question about how motivated he will be if and when he signs a massive contract.
Mehta added that the Jets will likely make a “fair and competitive offer” for Bell, but they do not appear to be willing to do whatever it takes to sign him. Bell is said to have turned down a five-year, $70 million offer from the Pittsburgh Steelers that included $33 million guaranteed, so it’s safe to assume he will be looking for somewhere in the neighborhood of $40 million in guarantees.
Todd Gurley signed a four-year, $60 million extension with the Los Angeles Rams last summer that includes $45 million guaranteed. Gurley is two years younger than Bell, but Bell will almost certainly be using that contract to set his market.
We already know of one star free agent running back the Jets have no interest in, but it would be a surprise if they don’t make a splash at the position. If no teams are willing to blow Bell away after he took a full season off, he could very well wind up in New York.
