Le’Veon Bell is known as the most patient runner in football. On Tuesday, he was testing the Jets’ patience.

The Jets remained in contention for the Steelers free-agent running back, but no deal was done as of Tuesday evening. There was speculation around the league that the Jets might be the only team to actually give Bell an offer.

The Jets offered what they feel is a competitive deal for Bell, but it may have been less than what he was looking for after sitting out last season. Some people wondered if Bell was trying to get other teams involved and simply trying to wait out the Jets to see if he could get a better offer.

The NFL Network reported late Tuesday that the Jets were getting “antsy” and might pull the offer if a deal was not made by the end of the day.

Bell passed on an offer from the Steelers last July that was worth a total of $70 million, averaging $14 million per year. That contract included $33 million in guaranteed money, which was going to be paid over the first two years and it would pay $45 million over the first three years.

Bell passed on that offer and then sat out the season rather than playing on the franchise tag, which would have paid him $14.5 million.

As a result, Bell is probably shooting for $15 million a year, and it does not seem like he is getting that kind of offer from anyone. One agent speculated Bell probably would not get more than $12 million per year, saying he overestimated the market for his services.

The problem for Bell is running back is now viewed as a position you can find value at through the draft or by paying less money than what Bell is looking for. Teams also worry about the wear and tear on Bell. He is only 27, but he has 1,229 rushes and 312 catches in his career already.

There is no denying his talent. He has been named first-team All-Pro twice in Pittsburgh and has rushed for more than 1,200 yards three times. He can also be a weapon catching the ball out of the backfield. He had 75 catches in 2016 and 85 catches in 2017. Those numbers would have led the Jets in those years.

Signing Bell would give Sam Darnold a weapon he needs. It would also help general manager Mike Maccagnan, who saw Anthony Barr back out of a verbal agreement with the Jets and re-sign with the Vikings. In addition, center Matt Paradis landed with the Panthers, leaving very little options at center in free agency.