Running back Najee Harris might be heading into his last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Steelers have decided not to exercise Harris’ fifth-year option, meaning he will become an unrestricted free agent after the 2024 season.
Dulac wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Steelers declined option year on RB Najee Harris, per sources.”
The decision caught many Steelers reporters and writers by surprise.
Christopher Carter expressed, “A miscalculation in my option.”
Alex Kozora of Steelers Depot and Daniel Valente of The Score explained why they thought the decision was a mistake.
Kozora stated, “I understand that Najee Harris isn’t known for big plays (he never has been) but I’m not sure what more he could’ve done to earn his option.”
Valente added, “Didn’t see this coming from Pittsburgh.”
I get that Najee Harris isn't a big play runner (he never has been) but I don't know what more he could've done to get his option picked up.
Durable, runs hard, well-rounded, reasonably productive behind at times, a patchwork o-line.
Didn't expect this from Pittsburgh.
— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) May 2, 2024
“I understand that running backs can be replaced easily, but Najee’s fifth-year option for 2025 would have placed his average value between Aaron Jones ($7M) and Miles Sanders ($6.3M) in 2024,” wrote Valente.
“For a player who has consistently carried the load and whom the Steelers have touted as a leader, this decision is unexpected.”
Harris rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his first three NFL seasons. In his rookie year, he led the NFL with 381 touches, earned a Pro Bowl selection with 1,200 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns, and totaled 1,667 yards from scrimmage.
Last season, Harris recorded 1,035 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns, averaging a career-best 4.1 yards per carry. He also contributed 29 receptions for 170 yards.
Additionally, Harris has scored at least 8 touchdowns in each of his three NFL seasons.
In the final year of his rookie contract, Harris will earn approximately $2.4 million as his base salary. His fifth-year option would have paid him $6.79 million.
Steelers Decline Fifth-Year Option for RB Najee Harris
May 2 was an important date on the Steelers’ offseason calendar because it marked the deadline for the team to decide on Najee Harris’ fifth-year option. Although Pittsburgh had a significant decision to make, the prevailing anticipation was that they would opt to extend the running back’s contract.
However, Dulac reported that the Steelers have chosen to hold off on committing to Harris for another deal. Instead, they want to observe how Harris and the rest of the running backs perform in the team’s new offensive system under Arthur Smith.
“Steelers want to wait and see how Harris and the running backs perform in Arthur Smith’s offense, per sources,” wrote Dulac.
Steelers want to wait and see how Harris and the running backs perform in Arthur Smith’s offense, per sources https://t.co/uIr2hV86R8
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) May 2, 2024
Valente interpreted that report slightly differently.
“Translation: Steelers are not going to pay him next year & might use the franchise tag if he has a monster year,” wrote Valente.
Translation: Steelers are not going to pay him next year & might use the franchise tag if he has a monster year.
For just under $7M, you don’t need to wait and see what Harris will look like in a run-first offense if you saw him produce in a Matt Canada offense for 3 years. https://t.co/ZI5yvyWSQu
— Daniel Valente (@StatsGuyDaniel) May 2, 2024
It’s becoming less surprising in the NFL when running backs don’t receive lucrative contracts. However, Harris’ fifth-year option was relatively affordable compared to other running backs in the league.
Based on average annual salaries in 2024, Harris’ fifth-year option would have ranked him 11th among all running backs.
Behind Harris on the depth chart, former undrafted free agent Jaylen Warren has emerged as a strong running back. Warren rushed for 784 yards with an impressive average of 5.3 yards per carry.
Warren has maintained a career average of 5.1 yards per rush, while Harris has posted 3.9 yards per carry. Warren’s emergence could have influenced Pittsburgh’s decision to decline Harris’ option.
Steelers Also Decline QB Justin Fields Fifth-Year Option
As expected, the Steelers also decided not to exercise the fifth-year option for quarterback Justin Fields. The additional year of Fields’ rookie contract would have paid him $25.6 million, making it an unsurprising move. Consequently, Fields will also become an unrestricted free agent after the 2024 season.
With the decision not to extend the fifth years for both Harris and Fields, the Steelers will have two free agents at both quarterback and running back positions next offseason. Additionally, tight end Pat Freiermuth and guard James Daniels will also become free agents next March.
Free agents next year on Steelers offense:
Russell Wilson
Justin Fields
Najee Harris
Jaylen Warren (RFA)
Pat Freiermuth
James Daniels— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) May 2, 2024
