Steelers' Najee Harris Absolutely Waiting On May 2: "That's If Harris Even Wants His Option Year Picked Up"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a tough decision to make by May 2nd regarding Najee Harris' fifth-year option. Harris is going into the 2024 season on the last year of his rookie contract, with a fifth-year option worth $6.79 million. Harris, 26, has been a three-time 1,000-yard rusher for the Steelers since they drafted him in the first round in 2021. Harris has become part of a dynamic one-two punch tandem with Jaylen Warren in Pittsburgh that has the opportunity to take over the league as the best running back duo.

The Steelers' coaching staff and front office have shown appreciation for Harris' play thus far into his career, and love the style of play he brings to the table. Harris is a strong, powerful, and smash-mouth running back that goes along with the Steelers' traditions. At first, it seemed like an obvious no-brainer that the Steelers would pick up Harris' fifth-year option, based on the way they feel about him. However, as we inch closer to the deadline, many analysts are starting to question if the team will actually do so as they seem to continue to wait.

Steelers reporter from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Brian Batko, recently shared his perspective on the Harris-option saga. Batko went into further detail about how Harris has publicly shown he's not alright with losing. Harris, who won two College Football Playoff National Championships with Alabama, is still yet to win a playoff game with the Steelers. With a rocky past few seasons for the Steelers, it's hard to imagine guys like Harris aren't frustrated with the team by now. 

With these suspicions, Batko isn't sure if Harris actually wants his option to be picked up to return to the Steelers for a fifth season. Batko wouldn't be surprised if Harris wanted to explore in free agency closer to his original home. 

"That's if Harris even wants his option year picked up. He's a West Coast guy through and through, and if given the chance to hit the open market a season earlier, he could try to get that coveted second contract closer to home," theorized Batko.

For some diehard Steelers fans, losing Harris would be a total blow. Not only does he withhold the characteristics of past legendary Steelers backs, the organization also spent a first round pick on him. They already traded away another one of their recent first round picks in Kenny Pickett (2022), so losing your 2021 first round pick as well would not be ideal. 

On the other hand, many Yinzers want to see the starting running back be Warren, who has turned himself into a stellar back behind Harris. In his first two seasons with the Steelers, Warren has 1,747 total scrimmage yards on 315 touches. Warren has proven himself to be a starting caliber running back, but will that ever be in the Black and Gold? If Harris declines his option, Warren could be the future in Pittsburgh. 

Steelers' RB Tandem Going To Explode In 2024

Regardless of what happens to Harris and the outcome of his option, he and Warren will be playing for the Steelers in 2024. Not only will they be playing side by side again, they will finally have what will hopefully be a reliable offensive coordinator for the first time in their careers with the Steelers. New Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith, comes into town looking to pound the rock and utilize the Steelers' backs more than ever before. 

With Warren and Harris getting more experience and improving on the field, the 2024 season will be the ultimate test. The Steelers are done messing around with mediocrity and are ready to start winning in the postseason again, and these two will have to lead the way. Smith brings a new offensive system to the Steel City that will likely require the two to run the ball at least thirty times a game combined. The Steelers are counting on both of these guys to have their best seasons yet, in order to get over their seven year playoff win drought. 

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