The Pittsburgh Steelers made a surprising decision this offseason by opting to decline star running back Najee Harris' fifth-year option. Had Pittsburgh picked up Harris' option, it would have guaranteed him roughly $6.7 million for the 2025 season. Instead, their decision means Harris will become a free agent following the 2024 season.
Pittsburgh selected Harris in the first round, 24th overall, of the 2021 NFL Draft. Over his three seasons with the Steelers, Harris has faced criticism from some pundits and fans. Despite these critiques, he has been consistently impressive. Playing in a struggling offense and behind a subpar offensive line, Harris has surpassed 1,000 rushing yards each season and has started every game in his career. Additionally, he has accumulated 28 touchdowns over these three seasons.
Many Pittsburgh fans assumed it would be a straightforward decision to secure Harris by exercising his option. The Steelers' choice not to do so has led to speculation that the team might be preparing to move on from the former first-round pick. Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo discussed Harris' future on the North Shore Drive Podcast with host Christopher Carter, expressing doubt that Harris will remain with the team beyond the 2024 season.
"The Steelers turned down Najee Harris at $6.7 million on a one-year deal. When I look at it, I just think, when they made that decision in the first week of May, it signaled that they were ready to move on from Najee Harris,” Fittipaldo said. “I know that Omar Khan has said that doesn't mean a deal can't be done in the future, but just the business aspect of this. If they wait until next March, that number is going to go up more than the Rhamondre Stevenson number.”
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan has stated that just because they declined Harris' option, does not indicate anything about his future. However, the market for Harris became clearer when the New England Patriots signed their running back Rhamondre Stevenson to a four-year deal worth $36 million, averaging roughly $9 million per year.
Many argue that a deal for Harris would likely exceed this amount. This comparison highlights that Pittsburgh may have erred in not securing Harris with the $6.7 million option. Fittipaldo believes Harris' tenure in Pittsburgh will likely conclude after the 2024 season.
“I think in the end when they told us they weren't interested in picking up his fifth-year option, just read between the lines that they weren't interested in having him back at all for the 2025 season.”
Harris has been a solid running back since he joined the Pittsburgh Steelers. In 2024, Harris is expected to have a breakout year, motivated by the fact that Pittsburgh declined his fifth-year option. This decision has undoubtedly fueled his determination to prove his worth and secure his future in the NFL.
Harris will also benefit from playing in a new offensive system. This offseason, the Steelers hired Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith, who is known for his innovative schemes and success in revitalizing offenses. Smith joins Pittsburgh with the high expectations of fixing the team's offensive struggles from the past few seasons.
The offensive line has seen significant improvements and has a lot of long-term potential. These enhancements are crucial for Harris's success, as a strong offensive line can open up more running lanes and provide better protection. Every sign points to Harris having the best season of his career in 2024.
The 2024 offseason will be pivotal for Pittsburgh and Harris. If the Steelers decide to move on from him, it will continue to highlight the trend of using a first-round pick on a running back being a risky decision. While some pundits have questioned the pick, Harris's production has demonstrated that he was not a poor choice.
Steelers' Offense Is Expected To Be Much Better In 2024
Pittsburgh fans are buzzing with excitement for the 2024 season. The Steelers have made improvements across virtually every aspect of their team this offseason. The only lingering concern is the wide receiver room. However, the quarterback play is expected to be much better, the offensive system is more promising, and the offensive line has been bolstered. All signs indicate that Pittsburgh will have a dominant running game with the dynamic duo of Harris and Jaylen Warren.
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Harris to see if he can rise to the occasion and lead the Steelers to success. His performance will not only impact his future but also the direction of the Steelers' franchise. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see what the 2024 season holds for Harris and the Steelers.
