The Pittsburgh Steelers have all but moved on from running back Najee Harris.
After all, the Steelers decided earlier this offseason not to exercise the star running back’s fifth-year option, continuing the erosion of the running back market that seemed to reach its crescendo during the 2023 NFL offseason.
Harris, 26, has rushed for 3,269 yards through his first three seasons, with 22 touchdowns since being chosen by the Steelers with the No. 24 overall pick in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
But, with no long-term security in the Iron City, the stakes couldn’t be higher for Harris in 2024.
Why 2024 is Pittsburgh Steelers RB Najee Harris’ Make or Break Season
As Harris enters a crossroads campaign, NFL Media’s Nick Shook lists the Steelers’ running back as one of the players across the league entering a ‘make or break’ season.
“Pittsburgh declined to pick up Harris’ fifth-year option in May,” Shook points out. “Leaving the former first-round pick with one more season to showcase his worth to the Steelers. The logic behind the decision was rather simple, according to NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero: Pittsburgh wants to see how Harris produces in new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s scheme before committing to him beyond 2024.
“That makes this a prove-it year for the Alabama product, who has at times carried the Steelers’ offense on his back, but who has also seen his job threatened by backup Jaylen Warren. The time is now for the “motivated” Harris to ball out and raise his value on the open market. And with the way the RB market has largely collapsed in the recent years, you definitely don’t want to enter free agency after a down season.”
At age 25, Warren is younger than Harris with fewer miles on his proverbial tires, while also playing on a much more affordable contract as a former undrafted free agent.
It’s easy to see why the Steelers would prefer moving forward with Warren, or even looking ahead to selecting Harris’ eventual replacement during next spring’s NFL Draft.
However, the reality is Harris is a productive back capable of carrying a significant workload in an NFL backfield and this season could prove to be his audition for the kind of mega-contract signed by the likes of Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, and Aaron Jones this offseason.
