The Pittsburgh Steelers unveiled their four official team captains for the 2024 season on Monday: Russell Wilson, T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, and Miles Killebrew. This announcement is largely expected, as these players were widely anticipated to be named captains.
However, some fans are curious about what might have been if the team had selected a fifth captain. Najee Harris, who was named a captain for the 2022 season following his rookie year, was not included in the 2023 captaincy. Despite handling the situation gracefully, many questioned why his status changed from captain in 2022 to not being one in 2023.
Harris' future with the Steelers has been a topic of considerable debate. The team made a surprising decision to decline his fifth-year option this offseason, which means he will become a free agent after the 2024 season. While some believe this move signals the end of Harris' time in Pittsburgh, others think there's still a possibility he could remain with the team.
Steelers media personality Andrew Fillipponi recently voiced his opinion on social media, expressing regret over the team's decision to draft Harris in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Fillipponi's critique highlights ongoing discussions about Harris' role and future with the franchise, adding to the intrigue surrounding the Steelers' decisions.
The decision not to name Harris a team captain for the 2024 season is not surprising, especially given that he was also left out in 2023 and the team's choice not to pick up his fifth-year option. With these factors at play, it seemed unlikely that Mike Tomlin would appoint Harris as a captain. However, this raises a crucial question: what changed?
Harris was once seen as a potential leader early in his career, but it seems the Steelers no longer view him in that light. It’s possible they still see him as a leader but don’t believe that a captaincy is necessary to recognize his leadership role.
There was significant speculation about how Harris would respond to having his option declined. Upon reporting to camp, it was clear that he arrived in peak condition—faster, more toned, and displaying leadership qualities. This positive development has been reassuring for Steelers fans.
Since being drafted by the Steelers, Harris has faced considerable scrutiny. Despite this, he has been remarkably consistent, starting every game across his three seasons. He has accumulated 834 carries for 3,269 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns, averaging 3.9 yards per carry. Notably, he has rushed for over 1,000 yards in each season, underscoring his reliability and performance.
Despite Harris' considerable success, he hasn’t been universally praised. Critics, like Fillipponi, argue that the Steelers wasted a first-round pick on him. This criticism is common for first-round running backs, where expectations are exceptionally high. Many pundits and fans believe Harris hasn't fully justified the early selection. However, his production says otherwise.
Steelers' Najee Harris poised for a huge 2024 season
The 2024 season is pivotal for Harris. With Arthur Smith at the helm of the offensive system, Harris and Jaylen Warren are in an ideal position to thrive. Harris is poised for a significant season, driven by the motivation of not having his fifth-year option picked up.
His performance this year will heavily influence his future with the Steelers. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see how Harris handles this challenge and what impact it will have on his career in Pittsburgh.
