The Pittsburgh Steelers surprised many when they declined running back Najee Harris' fifth-year option before the 2024 season. The running back position has become undervalued league-wide, meaning the fifth-year cost would have only been about $6.7 million. It is hard to imagine they could find another back that is as reliable and durable as Harris for under $7 million.
Harris has been polarizing since being drafted in the first round in 2021. His supporters note the instability of the Steelers' offense. Harris has played with six different quarterbacks, yet he has 1,000+ yards in each season he's been in the league, the only back in the league currently to do that. In 68 regular season and two playoff games, he has never missed one due to injury. This comes despite running behind a line which offers little protection and fewer holes.
His detractors believe he has not lived up to his first-round status and feel Jaylen Warren is better. As an undrafted rookie in 2022, Warren won fans' hearts with determination and hard work. The fans think Warren is more explosive and averages more yards per carry than Harris.
Now, rumors are that Head Coach Mike Tomlin, a big fan of Harris, is pushing for his return. In his recent chat column, Gerry Dulac, from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, was asked what the chances are of Harris returning and signing an even bigger contract. Dulac responded, "Chances are pretty decent because Mike Tomlin loves him." However, Dulac dismissed the idea that the contract would be higher than the original option. Dulac's co-worker, Ray Fittipaldo, was recently on the Pomp and Joe Show and was asked about what was said.
"Here's my take on it: the way the Steelers do business, if they do re-sign Najee Harris, I don't think it's going to be more than what they would have paid him last May if they picked up the option," explained Fittipaldo about Tomlin wanting Harris to return. "So that number was $6.7 million. If it's over that, I don't think they would do it. We've talked about this, it's a great year for running backs, Jaylen Warren is going to be on the roster, so they could easily move on from him if Mike gets his way. But you know how it goes, this is Mike's team and if he wants Najee Harris on it, he's probably going to get it."
Fittipaldo added that Tomlin is known to have a lot of clout, but there is always a possibility he doesn't get his way. Team President Art Rooney II and/or General Manager Omar Khan might make a case for a different route. After all, Warren seemed like a better fit in Arthur Smith's offense.
While moving on from Warren has felt unlikely, it is hard to imagine they keep them both and draft a rookie. Harris may want to test the free agency market and see what is there for him. While many fans discount what he has done, Harris has consistently contributed. However, all of those teams also have the same deep draft class at their disposal.
Steelers Could Try The Draft Again
While most fans feel like the team wouldn't chance another running back in the first round this soon, some mocks have a potential generational talent falling to them. Out of Boise State, Ashton Jeanty is widely considered the top back in the draft.
Most mocks have him going early in the first round, but some have him available when the Steelers pick at 21. Fittipaldo said he doesn't see them doing it, regardless of how good he is. He said he believes they will go defensive line or wide receiver. But the Steelers have been known to pick the best player available in the draft, so Jeanty can't be ruled out. Regardless, Pittsburgh scheduled a meeting to get to know Jeanty at the NFL Combine.
