An online sportsbook already pegs the Jets as favorites to land Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell in free agency. And several other NFL sources reportedly believe he's headed to the Meadowlands, too.
One Steelers source told Bleacher Report's Mike Freeman, "I think it's a foregone conclusion" that Bell dons green and white next season, and several other people around the league believe the same.
Of the 10 NFL personnel sources Freeman spoke with, six believe Bell will be a Jet next season after he sit out the 2018 season with Pittsburgh.
"That's the place where most of us have him pegged to go," one NFC scout told Freeman.
Bell, Freeman writes, could also fit with the Packers, Dolphins, Colts or Ravens, however the Jets will have both the salary cap space and the need to add the 26-year-old running back.
They had reached out to the Steelers about Bell in the past but did not make a deal because Bell forfeited his $14.5 million salary under the franchise tag as he sought to sign a more lucrative, long-term deal.
New York is projected to have more than $100 million in salary cap space next season, and Bell, according to SNY.tv's Ralph Vacchiano, could command a four-year deal worth at least $60 million.
The Jets have totaled 1,073 rushing yards as a team this season, which ranks 17th in the league, however their offense still lacks a dynamic offensive playmaker like Bell, who totaled 1,946 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns last season.
New York's leading rusher, Isaiah Crowell, has totaled 552 yards on 114 çarries, while Bilal Powell, who will miss the rest of the season due to a neck injury and will become a free agent, totaled 343 yards on 80 attempts. The Jets do have second-year running back Elijah McGuire, who has totaled 53 rushing yards and 64 receiving yards in two games this season, but Bell is a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time First Team All-Pro.
The Jets have the need and the resources to sign Bell. Some believe it's a given.