Steelers' Najee Harris Joins Other Big Time NFL Running Backs On Zoom Meeting Over Poor Market Value

The Pittsburgh Steelers are lucky enough to have a good portion of their young offensive core still on their rookie contracts. However, star running back Najee Harris' contract will likely expire following the 2025 NFL season, assuming the Steelers' organization picks up his fifth-year option which they will be deciding on in 2024. Harris recently attended a zoom call with other star running backs in the NFL in collaboration with the NFLPA to discuss the devaluation of the running back position. 

Harris was in attendance virtually with plenty of other star running backs from around the NFL. Other players that attended included Tony Pollard, Jonathan Taylor, Joe Mixon, Saquon Barkley, and many more. Barkley's current contract situation with the New York Giants is just one of the current running back contract negotiations going on that shows the devaluing of the position. The Giants decided to franchise tag him for this upcoming season, which would mean he would make $10.9 million over the year. Barkley refuses to play on the franchise tag, and wants a contract extension. Barkley's agents and the Giants have been far apart on a deal so far.

Barkley was one of the best running backs in the league in 2022, being effective in both the rushing and passing game and he helped lead his team to the Divisional Round of the playoffs. Barkley played in 16 games during the regular season and finished with over 1,300 rushing yard, caught 57 passes for over 300 yards, and scored 10 total touchdowns. Barkley finished fourth in the league in rushing yards, is a team captain, and is only 26 years old which is why other running backs around the league are rallying behind Barkley. If he can't get an extension, who can? 

Steelers' Harris Upset With Current Value Of RB Position

Harris has certainly been keeping his eye on the contract situations with running backs around the NFL, as teams have begun to refuse to sign their star running backs to new deals which has been devaluing the position as a whole. Some have ridiculed Harris for his performance in 2023. However, Harris has by no means been a bust so far in his career. Some might even say he has over-performed through his first two seasons when you consider that he has been running behind a below average offensive line and an offense with little to no passing game. 

Harris has reached the 1,000 yard mark in each of his first two seasons while also being effective in the passing game. He has also been healthy his entire career. He might have been banged up occasionally, but Harris has yet to miss a game through his first two years. This is a quality in a player that cannot be overstated. The best ability is availability. 

Harris has openly showed that he loves playing for the Steelers' organization, and he seems to be loved throughout the locker room. There is no question that he will want to re-sign with Pittsburgh on a long-term deal once his rookie contract expires. Therefore, it is understandable as to why he is expressing his disapproval about other elite running backs not getting paid what they deserve. Harris has openly been shameful about the state of the current running back market as he has taken to twitter to discuss his feelings. 

Hopefully a solution to this issue within the NFL is found before Harris is due for an extension so the Steelers are able to keep him around in the long run. Steelers fans know how frustrating it is to have a franchise running back be upset with their contract situation thanks to the Le'Veon Bell hold-out fiasco of 2018. Bell sat out the entire season because he wasn't being offered what he thought he was worth. 

Even with Harris still having at least two more seasons on his current rookie contract, some outlets have began to discuss whether or not Harris will be worth a second contract when the time comes. Steelers fans will certainly want to see Harris around for the long haul, but only time will tell if Harris is able to earn long term deal with Pittsburgh and get paid what he is worth.

What do you think of the current state of the running back market Steeler Nation? Let us know in the comments below!

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