Former NFL agent Joel Corry expects Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields to get a Sam Darnold-type of contract in free agency. Darnold received a one-year, $10 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings last year.
“Fields’ plan should be to find the best opportunity to be a starting quarterback, just like Darnold did in free agency last year,” Corry wrote. “Darnold signing a one-year, $10 million deal with the Vikings is going to pay big dividends for him.”
Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated also expects Fields to receive a similar market as Darnold’s in the 2024 offseason.
“Speaking of the Steelers, this is, of course, a big week for Pittsburgh to try to get Justin Fields re-signed,” Breer wrote. “He’ll have options elsewhere—one team would be the New York Jets, and I wouldn’t be stunned to see Indy throw its hat in the ring—if he gets to the market. I think he has a shot to get a deal like Sam Darnold got with the Minnesota Vikings last year.”
It will be interesting to see how things unfold with Fields. With a robust marker, he could depart Pittsburgh if he sees a better opportunity elsewhere. ESPN insider Adam Schefter believes the Steelers’ decision at quarterback could be made any day now.
“The other place to watch this week is the Pittsburgh Steelers because they currently do not have a quarterback under contract,” Schefter said on the Pat McAfee Show. “It’s tough to go into free agency to go add to your offense when you have no idea who’s playing quarterback. That’s why I think they’re going to spend this week working on getting a deal done with either Justin Fields or Russell Wilson.”
Corry projects a three-year, $30 million deal for Najee Harris on the open market.
“Harris had his fourth straight season with 1,000 yards rushing in his four-year NFL career. He is the only player to do so over the last four seasons (2021 through 2024),” Corry wrote. “Harris rushed for 1,043 yards on 263 carries for a 4.0 average with six touchdowns in 2024.
“The 2021 first-round pick’s production is largely a function of volume. His 1,097 rushing attempts are the NFL’s second most since he entered the league.
“Harris doesn’t fare particularly well under the NFL’s Next Gen Stats. For example, he is minus-121 yards rushing over expectation during his four NFL seasons.”
Steelers general manager Omar Khan said the door is open for a Harris return, but it seems very unlikely. The Steelers certainly could more speed at running back. Former NFL quarterback and ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky pointed out that over the last six seasons, the Steelers are the worst running football team in the NFL, averaging 3.9 yards per carry. The Steelers just lacked explosiveness with Najee Harris as their running back. His longest career run is just 37 yards.
“Learn how to run the football better. First, let me be very clear. Pittsburgh, respectfully, worst running football team in the NFL, 3.9 yards per carry. You have lost your identity as an organization,” Orlovsky said on ESPN’s “Get Up.” “I don’t care who the quarterback is. Until you fix that, it won’t matter.”
