The Steelers have declined RB Najee Harris’ fifth-year option, according to reports.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have declined to pick up running back Najee Harris’ fifth-year team option in 2025, according to several media sources Thursday. Harris, 26, was expected to cost the organization $6.7 million in guaranteed pay. He was selected to the Pro Bowl as a rookie in 2021 and is the only player in Steelers history to carry for 1,000 yards in each of his first three seasons.
Thursday marked the deadline for teams to exercise their fifth-year options for first-round draft picks in 2021. As expected, Pittsburgh declined the option for quarterback Justin Fields, who was acquired in an offseason trade from the Chicago Bears and would have received a guaranteed $25 million in 2025.
According to an NFL Network story, the Steelers may be waiting to see how Harris fits in with new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s offense before negotiating a new contract. His original rookie contract was worth $13 million over four years, with $2.4 million due in 2024. Harris, the 24th overall pick from Alabama in 2021, has started all 51 games and carried 834 times for 3,269 yards and 22 touchdowns. He has also made 144 receptions for 866 yards and six touchdowns.
Last season, Harris had 255 carries for 1,035 yards, a career high 4.1 yards per carry. He played a career-low 53 percent of offensive snaps in 2023, down from 84 percent when he made the NFL All-Rookie Team in 2021.