The Pittsburgh Steelers shocked everyone when they decided to decline Najee Harris' fifth-year option. If the Steelers had picked up Harris' option, it would have guaranteed him $6.79 million in 2025. Now, with the move to not pick up his option, Harris is set to be a free agent after the 2024 season.
Harris, selected in the first round of the 2021 draft, has faced considerable criticism due to his draft status but hasn’t often received the recognition some believe he deserves. His future with the team has now become a hot topic of debate, especially as he is in a contract year with his future potentially up in the air.
On Tuesday, the Steelers made two big trades, involving the acquisitions of wide receiver Mike Williams and linebacker Preston Smith. These trades suggest the team is prioritizing areas of immediate need. Steelers insider Gerry Dulac recently weighed in on the Harris situation when asked about the impact of the trades. Dulac hinted that the organization may see Harris as expendable, but he still feels that Harris will remain a Steeler past 2024.
"I like the deals because I think they were necessary and show that the Steelers are not just going to stand pat even though they are 6-2," Dulac said. "And I have always believed they will sign Najee after the season, so long as he wants to stay here."
Harris was expected to have a breakout season in 2024, fueled by an improved offensive line and an upgraded quarterback position. When Justin Fields was under center, Harris ran hard but frequently faced stacked defensive fronts. This made Harris' life much harder as he didn't have as much room to make anything happen out of the backfield.
Now, with Russell Wilson at quarterback, the passing game has gained more respect, making it harder for defenses to crowd the box against Harris. This shift has created more opportunities for him to showcase his skills and make an impact on the ground. Harris has really started to gain momentum with Wilson as his quarterback.
Steelers' Najee Harris Having A Solid 2024 Season
So far in 2024, Harris has carried the ball 136 times for 592 yards and two touchdowns, averaging an impressive 4.4 yards per carry. Selected in the first round, Harris has always been held to high expectations, but he’s consistently delivered, rushing for over 1,000 yards in each of his seasons with the Steelers. Remarkably, he has never missed a game due to injury—a rare feat for a hard-hitting running back who takes on a high volume of carries and physical play.
Many Steelers fans were shocked when the organization declined Harris's fifth-year option, leaving him set to test free agency after the season. As Dulac highlighted, this move puts the Steelers at risk of having to match the open market if they want to retain Harris.
The running back market is challenging, with teams hesitant to commit large contracts to the position, so Harris’ future could be shaped by variables outside Pittsburgh’s control. Fans would love to keep Harris around, but with his strong performance in Arthur Smith’s system, his value could rise beyond the $6.79 million option, making his future a key storyline after the season.
