The Jets are on the hunt again for a big playmaker, this time in Steelers RB Le'Veon Bell.
Hearing the news that Pittsburgh was listening in on potential trade offers for the Pro Bowler, an NFL source told SNY's Ralph Vacchiano the Jets are "monitoring" the situation, which means the team called to see if the reports were true.
There has been no offers made at this early stage, as the conversation is "very, very premliminary."
The Jets are doing their due diligence with the Bell situation, but as to their real interest in trading for him, the source said "it depends." That could be a variety of factors with price and Bell's desire to stay or leave in free agency after the season among them.
The Jets have previously been linked to Bell, and are among several teams who have the salary cap flexibility to take on the rest of Bell's remaining $11.98 million. However, being that Bell was deemed the Steelers' "franchise player," no team would be allowed to sign him to a long-term deal until 2019.
Bell, 26, totaled 1,291 rushing yards, 655 rushing yards and 11 total touchdowns in 15 games last season, leading the league with 406 touches. Since entering the league, he has 5,336 rushing yards, 2,660 receiving yards and 42 touchdowns.