Expected to return after the trade deadline. This is one of the weirdest spectacles I have ever witnessed in sports and honestly, I don't think it is helping Le'Veon.

Oh it's helping him for sure.

For one he's not risking injury on a 1 year tender. You know PIT fully knowing they aren't signing him we're gonna run his ass into the ground.

Plus he's sitting out a year and saving himself to hit free agency. That year off the treads can only help.

It's a smart move for him. Yeah he's missing out on a lot of money but with what he's made and will make I doubt his bank account is hurting.

I hope all the teams collude against him

Ag_07 said:

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Oh it's helping him for sure.

For one he's not risking injury on a 1 year tender. You know PIT fully knowing they aren't signing him we're gonna run his ass into the ground.

Plus he's sitting out a year and saving himself to hit free agency. That year off the treads can only help.

It's a smart move for him. Yeah he's missing out on a lot of money but with what he's made and will make I doubt his bank account is hurting.

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I just don't think he is really making himself that much money...the Steelers supposedly offered him a three year 47 million dollar deal...that would put him right up there with Gurley. I don't see him getting the deal that pays him as a RB1 AND WR2 that he is asking for in free agency.

I also think that James Conner's performance should cause teams to be hesitant too.

Am I missing anything? I am asking that seriously, not trying to be sarcastic.

Yeah. Add up the money he has forfeited and remember what he was offered by Pitt in off season.

Then watch what he signs for and how much of it he actually earns when it's done.

I think there's more negative potential than positive potential. Truly bizarre situation but as a Steelers fan at least conner has been up to the task. He is no leveon though..

He may not be making himself more money but he's helping himself for sure.

Again, PIT knowing they weren't resigning him woulda run his ass into ground and then some more. He's avoiding injury which wouldn't cost him a lot.

And he may not get the money he wants but sitting out a year he may get an additional year.

It's a smart move on both sides. Steelers don't have to pay out the ass for him and he doesn't have to play.

Ag_07 said:

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Again, PIT knowing they weren't resigning him woulda run his ass into ground and then some more. He's avoiding injury which wouldn't cost him a lot.

And he may not get the money he wants but sitting out a year he may get an additional year.

It's a smart love on both sides. Steelers don't have to pay out the ass for him and he doesn't have to play.

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They offered to pay out the ass and he declined it.

Also, conner is averaging 17 rushes per game this year. Lev would have been probably 25 touches a game which is a lot but also includes receptions and a lot of his style avoids high impact collisions.

I also think had he asked to not be worked into the ground, Pitt would have been fine with that since they'd need to see what they had in Conner anyway.

Also, I think not proving yourself and making as much as you can at the rb is always bad. Another year on the tread, even if he sits most of it out, works against him imo. Now if he gets some ridiculous guaranteed contract then great. But I also think often times great players can be a product of their environment. Pitt's offensive style is oerf9for him. May not be the case elsewhere.

I know I'm biased but I think he misplayed it badly.

I think both sides played it just fine. Steelers had already given their best and final offer and believed in Conner but gave up having Bell on the field. Leveon didn't wanna risk injury but gave up a nice chunk of change.

Both sides made the best decision for them.

But to think Leveon needs to prove anything is a bit off. He's solidified himself as a top maybe the top back in the league.

Ag_07 said:

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He's solidified himself as a top maybe the top back in the league.

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How's that working for Dallas, Arizona and NY with amazing backs? And none of them are taking the cap hit whoever signs Bell will get.

Stud RBs are not a formula to win in the NFL.

And that hasn't really ever been a formula in the NFL. Championship teams have to run the ball and/or have some sort of running game, but name the last team to win a Super Bowl with an elite running back, and that back being the most focal point of the offense.

perhaps Lynch with the Seahawks a few years ago. However he only ran for 39 yards in the Super Bowl.

and the Rams will try to do it with Gurley this year.

otherwise have to go back to the 90's with the likes of Faulk, T.Davis, and E.Smith

And both the Seahawks and Rams have many other weapons (especially the Rams) and great defenses.

Will be interesting to see what happens with Gurley when his rookie contract is over. He is a bit of the exception being a first round RB and seeing team success.

ORAggieFan said:

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And both the Seahawks and Rams have many other weapons (especially the Rams) and great defenses.

Will be interesting to see what happens with Gurley when his rookie contract is over. He is a bit of the exception being a first round RB and seeing team success.

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Gurley already got a 4 year extension and I wouldn't say he's the exception. Dallas had immediate success with Zeke in 2016 (13-3). Other factors are limiting their success now. Coaching, OL regression, WRs, TEs, up and down play from Dak.