The Pittsburgh Steelers declined running back Najee Harris' fifth-year option this offseason. The decision surprised many. While not all fans are sold on Harris, who is entering his fourth season with the team, he has been a reliable member of the Steelers' struggling offense.
A first-round draft pick out of the University of Alabama, Harris came with much promise. He has managed to rack up three 1,000-plus yard seasons during his time in black and gold, but fans find his average of 3.9 yards per attempt lacking. Fans who stand behind Harris feel that it is unfair to blame him entirely; after all, he played behind a horrendous offensive line and some mid-level quarterbacks, and former Offensive Coordinator, Matt Canada was calling questionable plays.
General Manager Omar Khan recently spoke about not giving Harris the $6.79 million extension for 2025. He said it was purely a business decision they felt they had to make quickly. Khan seemed to say everything right, adding that they love having Harris as part of the organization and hope he has a long career in Pittsburgh.
The Athletic reporter Mark Kaboly recently scoffed at that idea. He said that Khan knows Harris will be an unrestricted free agent after the upcoming season, and the team's actions do not suggest they want to keep him in Pittsburgh. While on 93.7 The Fan Morning Show, Kaboly told show hosts Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson that Khan's words don't align with his actions.
"I don't buy that at all. If they wanted him in their long-term plans, they would've picked up his option or at least offer him a contract. I mean, I don't believe it. Let's see how he does in Arthur Smith's offense because he's had running backs like that before. They don't want to pay a guy $7 million bucks of guaranteed money right now. Especially when you have, first, a position that people don't pay a lot to, and you already have a guy like Jaylen Warren, who's not going to get paid much money next year."
Kaboly said they want to see how it all pans out this season with new Offensive Coordinator, Arthur Smith. During his time with the Tennessee Titans, Smith helped running back Derrick Henry have the best season of his career. He was even named the NFL Offensive Player of the Year.
It feels possible that Harris could have a breakout year under Smith. Smith knows how to put together a strong run game, but the team has beefed up their offensive line and brought in new quarterbacks. If Harris has the best season of his career, getting him to cut a deal for less than what they would have owed him in that extension might be hard.
Will Steelers' Najee Harris Even Want To Stay In Pittsburgh?
Harris doesn't always give off the warm fuzzies, which may hurt how some fans perceive him. He tends to be quiet and keeps to himself. He is inconsistent in his dealings with the media, sometimes willing to talk and sometimes not. He declined to speak to the press after Organized Team Activities and said instead that he would speak at training camp.
Running Backs Coach Eddie Faulkner told the media when asked about Harris that he seemed fine. He is enthusiastic and excited about the season and has a positive attitude about the changes. Faulkner denied seeing any negativity from Harris due to the team's decision.
Harris is certainly playing for his future in 2024. If he hopes to be re-signed by the Steelers or picked up as a free agent by another team, he has to show them he is a valuable commodity.
Why do you think they declined Harris' option? Do you agree with Kaboly that Khan was just paying lip service, or do you think he meant what he said?
