4 NFL Teams Named Favorites For A Le'Veon Bell Trade

Author:
Andrew Holleran
Sep 23, 2018 1:11 PM EDT

Le'Veon Bell without his helmet on. — PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 14: Le'Veon Bell #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Heinz Field on January 14, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Le'Veon Bell is reportedly on the trading block. The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly now willing to listen to trade offers for the star running back as he continues to sit out the first month of the 2018 NFL regular season.

ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported this afternoon that Pittsburgh is now open to receiving offers for the All-Pro running back, who is reportedly considering sitting out the first 10 games of the season with his eyes on 2019 free agency.

"Steelers now listening to trade offers for RB Le’Veon Bell, league sources tell ESPN," he reports.

What teams might be willing to trade for Bell? According to the oddsmakers, there are four teams listed as favorites to make a move for the star running back.

According to betamerica.com, the Patriots are actually the favorite to make a trade for Bell.

This seems unlikely.

New England Patriots +140
Yes, the fact that New England is the second choice in this NFL futures market is silly, but it’s not unimaginable. I doubt that the Steelers would be willing to work a Le’Veon Bell trade with their biggest (non-division) rival. The city of Pittsburgh would absolutely revolt at the sight of Bell rushing for the Patriots. Beyond that, it’s not like New England has ever shown a willingness to pay players huge sums of money. The Patriots have the assets to work a Le’Veon Bell trade with a first round pick, two second rounders and three third rounders in the 2019 NFL Draft. The recent move for Josh Gordon might suggest that New England is more anxious about their chances this season than they’re letting on. But the price for Bell to be traded to New England specifically will be astronomical. Belichik won’t overpay.

Even if the Patriots were interested in trading for Bell - and, knowing Bill Belichick, they probably are - it seems unlikely that the Steelers would be willing to trade him to a rival.

Three other NFL teams have decent Le'Veon Bell trade odds: