The New York Jets have not had an elite running back since Curtis Martin. Yes, LaDainian Tomlinson was a big name, but he was at the tail end of his career by time he got to the Big Apple.

This offseason, the Jets will have an opportunity to land one of the best running backs in the league: Le'Veon Bell, and Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report feels it may happen.

Bell has been embroiled in a contract dispute with the Pittsburgh Steelers for quite some time now, with the origin of the standoff dating all the way back to 2017 training camp.

It has gotten so rough, though, that Bell elected to sit out the entire 2018 campaign.

That isn't necessarily a good look for Bell, but when he is on the field, everyone knows what he can do.

Article Continues Below
More New York Jets News
New York Jets running back Breece Hall (20) participates in a drill during minicamp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center.
Breece Hall breaks down what Justin Fields brings to Jets offenseSteve Silverman ·
Jun 11, 2025; Florham Park, NY, USA; New York Jets running back Breece Hall (20) participates in a drill during minicamp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Breece Hall gets real on transition from old coaching staff to Aaron GlennMike Gianakos ·
Jun 10, 2025; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn speaks at a press conference during minicamp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images. Jets hot takes include Justin Fields and Josh Reynolds.
3 hottest New York Jets takes coming out of 2025 minicampMike Gianakos ·
New York Jets owner Woody Johnson walks on the field before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Jets’ Woody Johnson makes $254 million purchase of Premier League clubMalik Brown ·
Jets, Jets training camp, Jadeveon Clowney, Jets Jadeveon Clowney
1 perfect New York Jets move to fill out roster before 2025 training campCameron Zunkel ·
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) is pressured in the pocket during the first quarter.
Jets rumors: Aaron Rodgers put NY run game on blast in 25-minute rantJulian Ojeda ·

In 15 games last season, the 26-year-old rushed for 1,291 yards and nine touchdowns while hauling in 85 receptions for 655 yards and two scores en route to a Pro Bowl appearance and a First-Team All-Pro selection.

Bell has made three trips to Honolulu and has earned First-Team All-Pro honors twice thus far in his five-year NFL career, and as a result, he feels he should be compensated accordingly.

New York could be just the franchise willing to do so.

While the Jets are just 4-11 on the year, they have some promise going forward, as rookie quarterback Sam Darnold has shown flashes of brilliance this year. Pairing Darnold with Bell could result in an explosive offense down the line.