I heard Michael Irvin, on Sunday, talk about the idea that Le’veon Bell was trying to re-set the running back market and get them (other running backs) paid, in addition to getting paid himself.
It seems that he failed on both counts.
By sitting out the entire year, what he’s managed to show is that the Steelers are just as good without him. They have been able to plug & play James Conner, who has statistically outperformed Lev Bell! (at least in terms of 9 games of play projected to 16-game totals)
Le’veon Bell, by sitting out the season while the Steelers have compiled a record of 6-2-1 without him, has made it harder for other running backs to make the case that they should be paid, not easier.