Najee Harris, the former standout running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers, didn't need the official pronouncements of this past week to understand his tenure with the team was coming to a close. The writing had been on the wall for several months, a gradual realization that solidified as the 2024 NFL season progressed. Harris, drafted by the Steelers, had to come to terms with the fact that his final plays in the black and gold would occur before the season's conclusion.
This understanding became public knowledge during his introductory press conference with the Los Angeles Chargers on Friday, where he officially acknowledged his departure from Pittsburgh.
"Me and Coach T we're pretty close in certain ways so I knew kinda sorta what was coming" Harris said.
Despite the persistent murmurs and hopeful speculations surrounding Harris' potential return to the Steelers, fueled in large part by his well-documented rapport with Head Coach Mike Tomlin, the probability of him re-signing with the team always seemed to be a long shot. The writing, it appeared, was on the wall.
The sense of inevitability was highlighted in the final moments of the Steelers' heartbreaking loss in the Wild Card Round to their division rival, the Baltimore Ravens. As the clock ticked down and the reality of their elimination set in, Harris and his close friend and teammate, tight end Pat Freiermuth, shared a somber, reflective moment on the sideline. This emotional moment served as a testament to the close bond and an understanding that Harris' time with the Steelers was likely coming to an end.
For Harris, the decision to join the Chargers represented a homecoming of sorts. As a native of California, Harris saw the development of the team as a primary decision maker, while the geographical convenience of returning to his home state was secondary. Under the leadership of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh, who notably recruited Harris during his high school years, the Chargers have undergone a significant transformation. Harris is poised to play a pivotal role in this new identity, stepping in as the team's current top running back on the depth chart.
One can speculate that Harris, upon learning the Steelers had declined his fifth-year option, began to internally process the likely reality that his long-term future with the franchise was in jeopardy. This decision, a clear indicator of the team's assessment of his value, likely forced Harris to confront the possibility of his tenure in Pittsburgh coming to an end, prompting him to consider his options beyond the Steelers' organization.
Harris' Impact On The Steelers' Offense
Harris' significance on the Steelers was immediately evident during his rookie season in 2021, culminating in a Pro Bowl selection. That year, he also demonstrated his exceptional workload capacity by leading the entire league in total touches, which encompassed both rushing attempts and receptions, with an impressive 381. Across his NFL career, Harris has amassed a total of 4,312 yards and 28 touchdowns, showcasing his consistent offensive production. In the 2024 season, he further solidified his role as key contributor to the Steelers' offense, recording 1,043 yards and 6 touchdowns. His 263 rushing attempts underscore his significant involvement in the team's ground game, highlighting his importance to the Steelers' offensive strategy.
Meanwhile, the Steelers are actively restructuring their running backs corps in the wake of Harris' departure. They have extended a tender offer to running back Jaylen Warren. Additionally, they have secured former Philadelphia Eagles running back, Kenneth Gainwell, envisioning him in a versatile role similar to Cordarrelle Patterson. Across four NFL seasons as an Eagle, Gainwell has contributed 1,185 yards and 12 touchdowns to the team's offense.
The future remains uncertain, yet the anticipation is undeniable. Harris, in particular, harbors a strong desire to showcase his versatility, expressing that his full skill set was not completely utilized during his time with the Steelers. This desire for a more diverse role adds an intriguing layer to his future. For fans, these changes are exciting.
Did you see Harris' departure coming like he did?
