Steelers' Najee Harris May Leave In The Same Brutal Way That Le'Veon Bell Did In 2019

Without a doubt, one of the most disappointing times in the Pittsburgh Steelers' history happened in the 2010s. The team was the best of the best in the NFL, but never was able to accomplish the ultimate goal. Their downfall started in 2018 after star running back Le'Veon Bell decided to holdout for the season and not play a single snap. This was because he felt that he should have been compensated more than what the Steelers were planning to offer him.

In the NFL today, running backs have become almost disposable in the league. This has become a hot topic with many of the running backs as they have begun to feel that they are under-compensated, even though they are disposable. This issue may also lead to many other holdouts like Bell's and could even let some of the best running backs in the league not even be playing on a team.

One of the biggest advocates for the running backs of the NFL is New York Giants' Saquon Barkley. Currently, the Giants and Barkley have until July 17 to get a long-term contract done or else, he would have to play under the $10.1 million franchise tag. Although it would be a difficult decision, Barkley would be open to going the Bell route and sitting out for the 2023 season. He has said in multiple reports that he is not trying to reset the running back market in any way, but wants to be paid fairly like a top running back in the league. 

When looking at the situation that Barkley is in, you have to face the facts that running backs aren't as valuable as they once were. They are much more disposable than what they were in the 1990s. That is why you see players like Bell who is out of the league at 30 years old and Todd Gurley who is now 28 and hasn't played since 2020. The risk of injuries and the fact that there are so many talented running backs in the league makes teams not want to sign their own to a long-term deal.

Barkley is not the only player that is struggling to get a contract at the moment. Former Minnesota Vikings Pro Bowl running back, Dalvin Cook was just cut by the team. Cook is expected to be getting a big contract from whatever team he signs with. Although it would be intriguing, the Steelers will most likely not be in on the Cook sweepstakes.

Cook being cut could be a good thing for Barkley. If he goes and gets signed to a big contract before July 17, this may open the Giants to bring back Barkley at a fair price. The contract would most likely be a bit under whatever some team is willing to pay for Cook. However, are teams going to be willing to pay this price? There are so many great options left in the free agency that teams may look past him for a cheaper option. Players like Ezekiel Elliott, Kareem Hunt, and Leonard Fournette leave great options at a fraction of the price.

What if Steelers aren't willing to give Najee Harris a fair contract?

So, what does this mean for the Steelers? Well, running back Najee Harris is under contract until 2025 so there should be no worries of him leaving just yet. But when that time comes, we may see him in the same situation as Cook and Barkley. He may even go into a holdout like Bell did if the Steelers aren't willing to give him a fair contract.

What we do know is that he is an advocate for the running backs in the league. He recently shared on his Instagram story a picture of Cook with quotes from Mark Ingram II and Robert Griffin III that allocates for fair pay of the running backs in the league. This could be a hint at what the future may look like when the Steelers have to figure out Harris's contract.

So, what do you think, Steeler Nation? Could we see Harris holdout when his contract is up? Let me know in the comments below!

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