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 Head Coach Aaron Glenn, is shown as he speaks during a press conference, at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center, Monday, January 27, 2025, in Florham Park. Glenn spoke about not just getting the Jets to a winning record but to sustain them as a championship caliber team.
Aaron Rodgers’ ouster a sign of things to come for JetsMike Gianakos ·
Isaiah Davis, Jets
2 Jets hidden gems on 2025 roster you need to knowDouglas Fritz ·
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) is shown after he led Gang Green to a 32-20 victory against the Miami Dolphins.
Steelers, Jets would make Week 1 history if Aaron Rodgers signsBenjamin Adducchio ·
Detroit Lions pass game coordinator Tanner Engstrand watches practice at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Friday, Jan. 3, 2025.
New Jets OC Tanner Engstrand gives 5 keys offense is ‘shooting for’Ben Strauss ·
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) warms up before an AFC wild card game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.
‘Great’ take by Jets’ Justin Fields will have Bears, Steelers fans raising eyebrowsDouglas Fritz ·
jets, Arian Smith
1 New York Jets rookie who stood out most in 2025 minicamp’Garrett Kerman ·

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.