The Pittsburgh Steelers are declining running back Najee Harris' fifth-year option. As a result, he will become a free agent after the 2024-25 season.
Last season, Harris led the Steelers with 1,035 yards and eight rushing touchdowns. He has reached 1,000 yards in three consecutive seasons and played in all 51 regular season games.
With new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith implementing a system, Pittsburgh reportedly wants to see how Harris and the rest of the running back roster perform. Jerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter.
Harris was Pittsburgh's 2021 first-round pick (24th overall) out of the University of Alabama. 3 In his season he tallied his 3,269 yards and 22 touchdowns. He is the first Steelers running back to rush for 1,000 yards in three consecutive seasons, and the only running back in the NFL to rush for 1,000 yards in the past three years.
The Steelers slightly reduced Harris' workload last season, giving him carries to Jalen Warren. Warren was also great at catching passes out of the backfield, catching 61 passes for 370 yards and being on the field more often.
By declining his fifth-year option, Pittsburgh will not have to pay Harris $6.7 million in guaranteed money for the 2025 season. However, the team could still sign him to an extension. Harris is 27 years old and probably still in the prime of his career, but he will spend four seasons as a pro, racking up more than 1,000 carries.
