Najee Harris of the Steelers is definitely looking forward to May 2nd. “That’s if Harris even wants his option year picked up.”
The Pittsburgh Steelers must make a difficult decision by May 2nd about Najee Harris’ fifth-year option. Harris is entering the 2024 season on the final year of his rookie contract, with a fifth-year option for $6.79 million. Since being picked in the first round by the Steelers in 2021, Harris, 26, has rushed for 1,000 yards three times. Harris has formed a strong one-two punch partnership with Jaylen Warren in Pittsburgh, which has the potential to dominate the league as the top running back duo.
The Steelers’ coaching staff and front office have expressed gratitude for Harris’ performance thus far in his career, and they enjoy the type of play he brings to the table. Harris is a strong, powerful, and aggressive rushing back who fits perfectly with the Steelers’ tradition. Based on how they feel about Harris, it looked like a straightforward decision for the Steelers to pick up his fifth-year option. However, as the deadline approaches, many experts are beginning to question whether the team will truly do so, 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.
For some die-hard Steelers supporters, losing Harris would be a crushing loss. Not only does he have the attributes of previous renowned Steelers backs, but the team also invested a first-round pick on him. They’ve already traded away another recent first-round pick, Kenny Pickett (2022), so losing your 2021 first-round pick would be a bad idea.
On the other hand, many Yinzers want Warren to be the starting running back, as he has developed into a fantastic backup to Harris. Warren has 1,747 total scrimmage yards on 315 touches over his first two seasons with the Steelers. Warren has proven himself to be a starting running back, but will he ever wear the black and gold? If Harris declines his offer, Warren might be the future of Pittsburgh.
Steelers’ RB Tandem Set to Explode in 2024 Regardless matter what happens with Harris or the conclusion of his option, he and Warren will play for the Steelers in 2024. Not only will they be playing together again, but they will also have what they expect to be a reliable offensive coordinator for the first time in their Steelers careers. Arthur Smith, the Steelers’ new offensive coordinator, arrives in town determined to pound the rock and make better use of their backs than ever before.