NFL Rumors: This Patriots rival is "undeniably the favorite" for Le'Veon Bell originally appeared on nbcsportsboston.com The New York Jets aren't a real threat to the New England Patriots' standing atop the AFC East and the conference as a whole, but they would provide a tougher challenge for Tom Brady and Co. with the addition of star running back Le'Veon Bell. Connor Hughes of The Athletic reported an update Monday on the Jets' free-agent pursuit of Bell, and it sounds like they're in the pole position to land him. I heard from one high-profile agent who is well versed in the running back market that the Jets are "undeniably the favorite" to sign the Steelers running back.