Steelers' Najee Harris Now Considered A Potential Franchise Tag Candidate

The Pittsburgh Steelers have always favored a strong run game on their offense. This provides a balance to their smashmouth defensive style. This means that running backs have always mattered just a little bit more in the Steel City—Franco Harris, Jerome Bettis, and Rocky Bleier all come to mind. This meant many weren't surprised when they chose to use their 2021 first-round draft pick on Najee Harris, a standout at the University of Alabama. 

Unfortunately, Harris came to Pittsburgh at the wrong time. Ben Roethlisberger was on his way out, which ushered in a few years of uncertainty and inconsistency. Former Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada seemed clueless about running an effective offense, and that, along with a weak offensive line, made Harris look awful.  

While Harris hasn't been perfect, you only have to look at the difference in his stats with a solid quarterback and without. During his rookie season with Roethlisberger calling the shots, he had 1,200 rushing yards, seven touchdowns, 74 receptions for 467 yards, and three more touchdowns. He led the league for most receptions by a running back and was selected as a Pro Bowl alternate. 

Harris still managed to run for more than 1,000 yards per season during the previous two seasons. However, he wasn't as effective as fans wanted, and those who never wanted a first-round running back were thrilled with the franchise who chose not to pick up his fifth-year option. 

Now, Roethlisberger-era Harris seems to be back with Russell Wilson under center. He has consistently improved as the 2024 season has progressed. In his last three games, he has rushed for over 100 yards a game. Harris recently told the media that this is the best offense he's played on. That has many wondering what will happen to Harris for the 2025 season. Mike DeFabo, from The Athletic, addressed the question of re-signing Harris in his recent column.

"When the Steelers declined Harris' fifth-year option, it felt like his days in Pittsburgh were numbered," wrote DeFabo. "But now he's in a great situation with an offensive line that's only going to get better and an offensive coordinator who knows what he's doing to execute an effective rushing attack. It's tough to call right now, but I would definitely engage in contract talks this offseason if I'm General Manager Omar Khan. I wonder if the franchise tag might be in play if his if his production continues along the current trajectory."

General Manager Omar Khan said they wanted to see how Harris fit in Arthur Smith's offense. However, it sounded more like he wasn't worth the roughly $6.7 they would have paid him. If they decide to franchise tag him, Harris will get more than what they would have paid him with the option. The current franchise tag value for a running back is $11.951 million.

Harris appears to fit quite nicely in Smith's offense, so Khan and Head Coach Mike Tomlin will have a big decision to make about Harris. How will Harris respond to being franchised tagged by a team that previously didn't want him? Hopefully, the new offense will excite him enough to override hurt feelings. 

Steelers' Najee Harris Recognized For Extra Effort

Recently, Steelers Running Backs Coach Eddie Faulkner said that he sees the work that Harris is putting in this season. He told the media that Harris is "on a mission" and trying to do great things with his career. 

While some fans may not like his style of play, it is hard to question his work ethic or dedication. Since his days at Alabama, Harris has always been that player who goes the extra mile. He never quits on a play and can frequently be seen picking up a few extra yards, dragging defenders behind him. 

Do you think the Steelers will franchise tag Harris for 2025? Click to comment below. 

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