The Pittsburgh Steelers decided not to pick up the fifth-year option on running back Najee Harris' contract this offseason that would've paid him $6.7 million in 2025.
Speculation has been that the Steelers would move on from Harris and replace him in the backfield behind ... well, whoever is lined up under center next season.
Rumors even swirled that general manager Omar Khan might even replace him with a Cleveland Brown. Talk about awkward rumors!
But now, we hear the Steelers are, in fact, interested in possibly bringing Harris back, but at a reduced price tag. The problem with that?
He'll be available to other teams too, and that price tag might not be so reduced. Spotrac predicts Harris will sign a three-year deal in free agency for around $27.5 million, or an APY of about $9.2 million.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac has reported the Steelers and Harris' representatives are talking.
"General manager Omar Khan has met with Doug Hendrickson of Wasserman Sports, Harris’ representative, about the possibility of re-signing their former No. 1 draft choice, who is an unrestricted free agent," Dulac wrote.
"Part of the decision is how much it would cost the team to re-sign Harris, who is likely to command between $7 million and $10 million annually," Dulac wrote. "That would seem to be a strange move for the Steelers after they already declined picking up his fifth-year option for 2025, which would have cost them $6.7 million."
The Steelers have money this offseason as they're an estimated $60-plus million under the cap for 2025.
Harris has rushed for 4,312 yards and 28 touchdowns on an otherwise stale offense over the course of four seasons. His 3.9 yards per game rushing average should be blamed on a shaky offensive line rather than reflect poorly on his ability.
