The Pittsburgh Steelers shocked the majority of the fan base when the front office decided to pass on electing to pick up Najee Harris' fifth-year option for the 2025 season. It seemed like a no brainer given the cost, but nonetheless, he is temporarily set to be a free agent for the first time in his career after the 2024 campaign. There is still the possibility that the team will look to extend the ball-carrier, but in an inflated running back market, it's becoming increasingly more likely that General Manager Omar Khan decides that it's best to let the 2021 first-round pick move on.
Harris already has internal competition for carries due to the strong emergence of Jaylen Warren. Set to be a restricted free agent in 2025, it's hard to believe the organization will pass on the opportunity to extend Warren. Harris has been a workhorse over the course of his three-year career, and given history of how quickly running backs fade, the Steelers could be already planning for Harris' exit.
Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette held a chat on Tuesday for fans to ask questions as he usually does during the week. Harris came up as someone was curious about the team's plans for the running back position. When asked about the future strategy, Fittipaldo passed on the idea of re-signing Harris, and endorsed saving money instead.
"I'm thinking cheaper option," Fittipaldo wrote.
He didn't specify whether he meant Warren or not, but it sure seems like he believes the Steelers will go on to keep Warren around and find cheaper options to back him up. Warren has what it takes to be a starter on his own, but Pittsburgh's dynamic duo is going to be scary for opposing teams with both Harris and Warren running behind a revamped offensive line in 2024.
New Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith is known for loving to run a ground-and-pound offense, which is exactly what is expected of the Steelers in 2024. If Pittsburgh wants to let Harris walk after the season, don't be surprised if the team feeds him the ball and gets as much out of him as possible before he enters free agency in the 2025 offseason.
Warren's situation will be rather interesting. As a restricted free agent and not technically a full-time starter, the front office could sign him for much less than the running back market demands for a starting ball-carrier. A lot more answers regarding the situation will be hashed out during training camp, but if a deal to extend Harris is not agreed upon before the regular season kicks off, it's more than likely that Fittipaldo's belief will come to fruition.
Both running backs thrived in 2023 towards the end of the season when an emphasis was placed on the rushing attack. Inserting Broderick Jones into the starting lineup opened up holes for the duo to run through that were not previously there. They only might get one more season to play on the same team, so expect a heavy dose of both Harris and Warren.
Steelers Wouldn't Decline Harris' Fifth-Year Option Without A Plan
It was a head-scratcher when Pittsburgh passed on getting Harris for cheap in 2025. There is still hope that he returns to the Steel City, however. Regardless, the organization absolutely has a plan and as the season inches closer, it will be more clear about what the future direction for the position is.
