The Pittsburgh Steelers have a very tough decision to make regarding the future of their four-time 1,000-yard season running back, Najee Harris. Harris, who turns only 27 years old this March, was Pittsburgh's first round draft choice in 2021. In four years, Harris has already jumped to sixth all-time for rushing yards in franchise history, tailing some of the most respected backs this organization has ever seen. With the Steelers deciding to decline Harris' fifth-year option for 2025 before the 2024 regular season began, it became clear that his future in the black and gold was in serious jeopardy.
A recent report was released that the Steelers and Harris' representatives met with each other during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis to discuss the possibility of a new contract. For the rather smaller group of Steelers fans who would prefer the two sides reached on an agreement, hold your breath. Brian Batko, a Steelers insider from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, recently appeared on Pittsburgh's 93.7 The Fan and explained how the Steelers could just simply be doing Harris a favor by heating up contract talks.
"They probably owe it to Najee, to some extent, maybe the Steelers are doing him a solid by helping out his value on the open market," Batko said Thursday night with Jason Mackey. "Like, 'Well, his original team might take him back, so you're gonna have to sign him for X amount of dollars,' as opposed to making him look like a true castoff."
Whether or not they decide to move on from Harris, the Steelers have a lot of love and respect for their former first rounder. Head Coach Mike Tomlin, especially, seems to appreciate Harris' efforts over the years than most fans. While Harris never became a home-run hitter for them, he never missed a game and has 34 total career touchdowns in black and gold.
Harris' market may not be as friendly as he and his team had hoped, so revealing to the rest of the NFL that he and the Steelers could be working on a deal might force other teams to become more aggressive. According to Spotrac, Harris' market value annually is about $9.2 million. The Steelers won't pay him that much, considering his fifth-year option was under $7 million. Other teams who have more cap space and are in need of a running back, like the Las Vegas Raiders, however, may be more willing to give Harris a more expensive contract.
If Harris had a much improved season in 2024, his chances of being brought back would be greater. Unfortunately, although he has been consistent through four years, his most recent season wasn't much different than his first three. Many fans thought he would maybe have a better burst after trimming his weight down in the summer, but never broke off a run of 40 yards or more.
Steelers' Najee Harris Could Have Serious Trouble Landing Pricey Contract
It also doesn't help Harris in any way that the upcoming NFL Draft is loaded with running backs. Many teams in need of a running back for 2025 and beyond, like Pittsburgh, can easily save money by avoiding signing a veteran back to a contract and taking one in the draft. It also doesn't help Harris that Jaylen Warren will likely remain in a Steelers uniform for at least another season. If Warren were to go elsewhere, Harris' chances of returning to the Steel City would immediately jump.
