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          Is it realistic for Jets to make a run at Le'Veon Bell?

          If Le'Veon Bell isn't happy playing for $14.5 million for the Steelers for one year, why would he do it for the Jets? Shelley Lipton/Icon Sportswire/Getty Images
          • Rich Cimini, ESPN Staff WriterSep 8, 2018, 12:00 PM
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              Rich Cimini is a staff writer who covers the New York Jets and the NFL at ESPN. Rich has covered the Jets for over 30 years, joining ESPN in 2010. Rich also hosts the Flight Deck podcast. He previously was a beat writer for the New York Daily News and is a graduate of Syracuse University. You can follow him via Twitter @RichCimini.
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          Reaching into the New York Jets mailbag to examine hot-button topics surrounding the team:

          @RichCimini: As ESPN colleague Jeremy Fowler notes in his thorough breakdown of the Le'Veon Bell situation, the chances of him being traded are remote. Here's why:

          By rule, a franchise-tagged player isn't allowed to sign a multiyear contract until the regular season ends. The deadline was July 15. In other words, any team that wants to trade for the talented running back would be taking a risk because he could be a one-year rental. Would it be worth it for the Jets to trade a third-round pick for a possible one-and-done player?

          The New Orleans Saints just did it with Teddy Bridgewater, but they're a win-now team with a closing window. In my opinion, it wouldn't be a smart move for the Jets. If they were one or two players away from being a serious playoff contender, I'd say to try to make a deal. But, as you know, that is not the case, especially with a rookie quarterback. Plus, I doubt the Steelers would trade Bell for only a third-rounder.

          One caveat: If the Jets are 5-3 or better at the trading deadline, then, yeah, go for it.

          There's another side to the question: If Bell is refusing to play for the Steelers for $14.5 million (the amount of the franchise tag), why on earth would he do it for the Jets? They could try to entice him by sweetening his one-year salary -- the Steelers are allowed to do that, too -- but then it begs the question: Is it worth paying a running back more than $15 million for one year? Right now, the Jets have $15.5 million in cap room, so it would be a tight squeeze.

          From the Jets' perspective, it makes more sense to wait until Bell becomes a free agent after the season, assuming he's not tagged a third time. His asking price will be outrageous, and you could argue it wouldn't be prudent to pay more than $40 million in guarantees for a 27-year-old running back. Then again, general manager Mike Maccagnan was willing to pay top-of-the-market contracts to Khalil Mack and Kirk Cousins, so it couldn't be ruled out.

          @RichCimini: You're absolutely correct; the starting five didn't play a single snap together in an actual game, which is troublesome. Three reasons: They're learning a new scheme, they have a new center (Spencer Long) making the protection calls, and a rookie quarterback. They've had several practices together, but there's a big difference between practices and games. There will be a transition period.

          The biggest concern is left tackle Kelvin Beachum, who missed the preseason because of a foot issue. When he wasn't able to practice, he worked with the training staff, which put him through various drills that simulated game-like movements and strength patterns. Pretty scientific stuff, but again, there's nothing like a game. Opening night could be a rough one for Beachum, who will have to block the Detroit Lions' Ziggy Ansah.

          After a week or two, I think the line will settle down. We're talking about five veteran players, so it's not like they're breaking in a newbie. That said, they'll need some help from the playcaller and Sam Darnold, who has to throw on time.