Pittsburgh Steelers running back, Najee Harris has had an interesting start to his career in the Steel City. Now in his fourth season, Harris is on pace once again to surpass 1,000 rushing yards. Remarkably, he has never missed a game despite enduring a heavy workload, running behind a subpar offensive line, and absorbing countless hard hits. Many believed the Steelers would reward his durability and production by picking up his fifth-year option, but the team made a surprising decision in the 2024 offseason.
By declining Harris’ fifth-year option, the Steelers set the stage for him to become a free agent after the 2024 season. The move left fans and analysts questioning the team’s long-term plans at running back, especially given Harris’ consistent performance. Despite the uncertainty, Harris has responded with a solid 2024 campaign, proving his value as a key piece of the Steelers’ offense.
According to ESPN insiders Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler, Harris’ play this season has significantly boosted his market value. His ability to produce under difficult circumstances has not gone unnoticed across the league. Whether the Steelers attempt to renegotiate or allow him to test free agency will be one of the most compelling storylines to follow as the 2025 offseason progresses.
"One player who has really helped himself is Pittsburgh's Najee Harris," Fowler wrote via ESPN. "He's on pace for nearly 1,200 rushing yards, which would be a career high, and is about to eclipse 1,000 yards for the fourth time in his four seasons. None of his current peers have accomplished that feat. Yes, open-field speed is an issue, but he can dictate the pace in the right offense."
The Steelers also have another standout running back in Jaylen Warren, who has exceeded expectations since arriving in Pittsburgh. Although injuries have slowed Warren down in 2024, he has recently started to regain his form. As a restricted free agent after this season, the Steelers will have an easier path to retaining him compared to Harris.
Graziano and Fowler suggest that it would be a smart move for the Steelers to bring back both Harris and Warren. With their complementary styles and proven production, the duo has been a cornerstone of Pittsburgh’s offense. Securing both players could ensure stability in the backfield for years to come.
"Both Steelers backs — Harris and Jaylen Warren - will be interesting free agents, though the success they're having in Arthur Smith's offense makes you wonder if they both might want to stay in Pittsburgh (depending on price, of course)," Dan Graziano wrote. "Warren will be a restricted free agent, too, so it might be tougher for him to cash in."
The running back market has evolved significantly in recent years, but in the 2024 season, two players with profiles similar to Harris managed to secure lucrative deals. The Arizona Cardinals signed James Conner to a two-year, $19 million extension, while the Carolina Panthers rewarded Chuba Hubbard with a four-year, $33.2 million contract.
Harris’ market value would likely be in the same range as these deals. Interestingly, the Steelers could have retained him for the 2025 season at just $6.79 million by exercising his fifth-year option.
By opting not to, Pittsburgh risks paying roughly $1.25 million more annually if they decide to re-sign Harris. His current production—averaging four yards per carry with 824 rushing yards, four touchdowns, and 249 receiving yards on 29 catches—underscores his value, but the decision hinges on broader concerns.
Steelers Have Given Najee Harris An Insane Workload
The Steelers’ hesitation may stem from Harris’ workload, which has been among the highest in the league. While his durability has been remarkable, history suggests that such heavy usage often leads to eventual decline.
The Steelers have already given Harris an insane 1,041 carries in his young career. This could make the organization wary of committing significant money to him, even if it feels unfair given his performance.
For now, the Steelers won’t make any decisions until after the season, as team policy avoids in-season contract negotiations. Harris' future remains one of the team's biggest offseason storylines.
