Najee Harris of the Steelers is eagerly anticipating May 2nd. ‘That’s if Harris wants his option year picked up.’
The Pittsburgh Steelers will have to make a difficult decision on Najee Harris’ fifth-year option on May 2nd. Harris enters the 2024 season on the final year of his rookie contract, with a fifth-year option worth $6.79 million. Since the Steelers chose him in the first round in 2021, Harris, 26, has rushed for 1,000 yards three times. Harris has formed a devastating one-two punch partnership with Jaylen Warren in Pittsburgh, with the potential to dominate the league as the top running back duo.
The Steelers’ coaching staff and front office have expressed admiration for Harris’ play thus far in his career, and they enjoy the style of play he brings to the table. Harris is a tough, forceful, and aggressive running back who adheres to the Steelers’ traditions. Based on their feelings about Harris, it looked like a straightforward decision for the Steelers to pick up his fifth-year option. However, as the deadline approaches, many observers are questioning whether the club will truly meet it, as they appear to be waiting.
Brian Batko, a Steelers reporter for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, recently gave his thoughts on the Harris option drama. Batko went on to explain how Harris has publicly demonstrated his dissatisfaction at losing. Harris, who won two College Football postseason National Championships for Alabama, has yet to win a postseason game with the Steelers. With the Steelers’ recent struggles, it’s difficult to believe that players like Harris aren’t already dissatisfied with the franchise.
With these concerns, Batko is unsure whether Harris intends to exercise his option to return to the Steelers for a fifth season. Batko would not be surprised if Harris opted to pursue free agency closer to his hometown.
“That’s if Harris wants his option year picked up. He’s a West Coast man through and through, and if given the opportunity to enter the open market a season sooner, he could try to land that coveted second deal closer to home,” Batko speculated.