The Athletic Says Pittsburgh Steelers' Offensive Star Najee Harris Is Not Worth Second Contract

Pittsburgh Steelers' fans have certainly been paying close attention to all the contractual news regarding running backs this offseason due to Najee Harris already being halfway through his rookie contract, barring a decision on his fifth-year option. Whether it's Saquon Barkley holding out, Dalvin Cook being released, or what seems to be good running backs not being re-signed by their original teams, there are clear uncertainties about how much running backs are actually worth in the NFL and how teams should value their running backs. Larry Holder, a columnist covering the NFL for The Athletic recently wrote an article discussing which players are still valuable at the running back position, in which he covers whether or not Harris would be worth a second contract.

Will Steelers Give Najee Harris A Second Contract?

Steelers fans know a thing or two about contract drama involving running backs thanks to the Le'Veon Bell saga. Unfortunately, according to Holder, we may be seeing another young, promising running back leave Pittsburgh after his rookie deal. During the 2022 season, Harris finished sixth in the NFL in total touches, however he ranked 52nd in Expected Points Added (EPA) per target and rush. This is a statistic that displays how much value a player adds to their team, with some of the highest-paid running backs being at the top of the list. Christian McCaffrey is fourth in the NFL in this statistic, Nick Chubb is 10th, and Aaron Jones is also near the top of the league. All three of these players are top-10 paid running backs. 

Harris has not been high in this statistic at all in his career. His rookie year, he was 39th in EPA per target/rush, and dropped to 52nd during the 2022 NFL season. Based off of the statistics, he has put up so far in his career, and depending on how much Harris would be asking for once he becomes a free agent, most would probably think he is not worth a large second contract. However, there are many reasons as to why he deserves a second contract. 

These reasons include his ability to protect the passer (he was the ninth highest rated running back in this category during the 2022 season), as well as his reliability as he has yet to miss a game in his first two seasons in the NFL. This feat is rare for a running back. When taken into consideration that Harris has been running behind a below average offensive line since he has entered the league, played one season with a declining Ben Roethlisberger, and one with inconsistency at the quarterback position with an inexperienced Kenny Pickett taking the majority of the snaps, it is understandable as to why he hasn't met most people's expectations and we should expect Harris to take steps forward this upcoming season. 

Steelers' Jaylen Warren is underrated

Jaylen Warren's increasingly good play on the football field could be another reason Harris might not see his second contract in Pittsburgh, Warren is considered one of the most underrated potential stars in the AFC. As of now, Warren is the NFL's 142nd highest paid running back, but finished first in the entire NFL when it came to EPA per target/rush. It was only on 105 total touches which was 49th in the NFL, but we should end up seeing a lot more of Warren once we reach the beginning of the NFL season. Not only was Warren first in the NFL in EPA per target/rush, but half of his receptions went for first downs, as well as 20 of his 77 carries. This impact while earning 4.9 yards per carry has certainly earned Warren more touches during the 2023 season. 

Harris is signed with the Steelers' through the 2024 NFL season and could have his fifth-year option picked up by the team for the 2025 season. Warren is only signed through this upcoming season before becoming a restricted free agent next offseason, where I'm sure the Steelers will do everything possible to keep him apart of this running back group. Both of these guys will be playing like they are in contract years for the next couple of seasons, and they will be doing everything possible to prove their worth and value to earn that big contract. Based off of their play so far, it is definitely possible we see a future with Warren leading the running attack once Harris' contract expires. 

What do you think, Steeler Nation? Let us know in the comments below!

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