Najee Harris is entering the final year of his rookie deal in 2024, which means the Steelers have a big decision to make on the former-first round running back this offseason.
Should Pittsburgh pick up his fifth-year option?
The Steelers will have up until May 2 to exercise Harris’ fifth-year option for the 2025 season, but head coach Mike Tomlin
Harris has rushed for at least 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns in every season of his three-year NFL career. But many have argued that his numbers have been a production of quantity.
This was the first season Harris averaged at least four yards per carry (4.1). However, it can also be argued that he had been running behind one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL to begin his career.
Nonetheless, fellow RB Jaylen Warren has proven to be more explosive, averaging 5.1 yards per rush in the first two years of his career.
This is not to say Pittsburgh should move on from Harris. But the team shouldn’t overpay to keep him with another capable running back on the roster. That doesn’t seem to be likely, however.
