Early in May 2024, the Pittsburgh Steelers declined Najee Harris’ fifth year option. The former Alabama half back was drafted twenty fourth overall in the 2021 draft. Harris spent 4 years at Alabama, breaking the All-time rushing record with 3,843 yards on the ground and an outstanding 6.0 yards per carry in his career. These statistics caught the attention of the Steelers, who finished last in rushing the previous season. Harris was the second running back taken in that year’s draft and went on to have a productive rookie season. Rushing for 1,200 yards, leading the league in touches, and even receiving a Pro-bowl nod. The Steelers’ passing game was not that strong and so they relied on Najee quite a bit and he delivered time and time again. Harris would go on to have another solid year but was not as explosive and flashy as his rookie year.
Harris in 2023, was the first running back since future Hall of fame halfback, Adrian Peterson, to rush for 1,000 yards in each of their first three seasons. Harris also had the least amount of touches he had in his career, and it actually helped him. The Steelers put a huge chip on Najee’s shoulders ever since he joined the team. Najee has been the center piece of the Steelers offense since his rookie year and with that, comes a bit of wear and tear. That is why, when Jaylen Warren was given more responsibility in the offense and took some work off of Harris. The former first round draftee showed more production as he was given less of a workload. Najee is heading into his final year with the Steelers after the team declined his fifth-year option. So, what does the future hold for Najee Harris and the Steelers?
POSSIBILITY #1- Najee’s Breakout Year
Najee has a career high of 1,200 rushing yards, which is very solid. However, a career high of 4.1 yards per carry is not ideal. While Harris has been productive, he has not really had his breakout season just yet. And as a 26-year-old running back, the time for a breakout is getting slimer. The Steelers have brought in a run first offensive coordinator in Arthur Smith this offseason. Smith is one of the best rushing coaches in the league and could help Harris reach that ultimate step to become a top tier halfback in the NFL. It is highly likely that Najee shines in the team’s new offense which would be great for all parties involved. With a productive breakout year in 2024, it could lead to the Steelers extending Najee, keeping their franchise running back in Pittsburgh.
POSSIBILITY #2- The Jaylen Warren Era
Jaylen Warren was an undrafted free agent running back who was deep in the depth chart for the Steelers heading into the 2022 preseason. It would take a while for Warren to be a prominent feature in the Steelers’ offense his rookie year. But continued to make plays with the limited amount of time on the field he was receiving. In 2023, Warren had 5.3 yards per carry and had over 1,100 total yards. While Harris was the number one halfback in Pittsburgh, the back field was pretty split. Unless Harris shows significant improvement in 2024, the Steelers could let Najee leave in free agency and extend Warren instead.
POSSIBILITY #3- Trading Najee Harris
This is definitely the most unlikely option. The Steelers did not accept Najee Harris’ fifth year option because the team wanted to see how Harris would produce in the new Arthur Smith offense. So, trading Harris would be redundant. There were multiple rumors about Najee being sent to the Cowboys, however the rumors were quickly debunked. There would be many teams bidding for Harris if he were on the trade block, but it does not seem likely whatsoever.
POSSIBILITY #4- Revamp The RB Room
Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris will be free agents after the 2024 season, unless extended. The most reasonable way to handle this is to give most of the backfield to Najee to prove his worth. If Harris does not breakout and produce under Arthur Smith, the Steelers are likely not to extend the former first-round pick. And would instead extend Warren. If Harris does well with the new offensive scheme, then both running backs will receive nice pay days. These are all hypothetical situations and are not certain. One decision that is more plausible than any other is resigning Jaylen Warren. As an undrafted free agent, Warren has exceeded his play for what he has been paid. Warren deserves a good contract for what he has done for the past two seasons. Nonetheless, the Steelers are famous for not extending players, especially ones that deserve the money. And so, it is possible that neither Najee Harris nor Jaylen Warren would be resigned after 2024. Which no Steelers fan wants but is still a possibility. The Steelers could look for a free agent running back or could even draft one.
*THESE ARE ALL HYPOTHECIAL SITUATIONS AND THERE ARE NO CONFRIMED PLANS WITH HARRIS’ FUTURE WITH THE STEELERS*