Ex-Steelers RB Najee Harris' Explosive Claim Hints That Pittsburgh Used Him Wrong

The Pittsburgh Steelers opted to allow their former first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, running back Najee Harris, to walk in free agency. Harris left the Steelers after his fifth-year option was declined and signed a one-year deal with the Chargers. Ultimately, the Steelers felt like they didn’t want to commit multiple millions to Harris despite his reliability and durability for four straight seasons. Now, Harris gears up for a new role with the Chargers for the 2025 season.

Harris spoke to members of the Los Angeles media on Friday, and while doing so, his comments caught the attention of Steelers fans. When discussing his transition to the Chargers, Harris seemed to suggest that he wasn’t used properly in Pittsburgh’s offensive system. Without directly criticizing the Steelers, he hinted that his role often limited his ability to showcase his full skill set, leaving many to wonder if the team mismanaged his talents.

Steelers fans quickly reacted to Harris' remarks, debating whether Pittsburgh failed to maximize his potential. Some pointed to the offensive line struggles and inconsistent quarterback play during his tenure, while others believed Harris lacked the explosiveness to thrive in a different role. Regardless, his comments add fuel to the ongoing discussion about the Steelers' offensive approach in recent years and whether a fresh start with the Chargers will unlock a different version of Harris.

"I’m a versatile back," Harris said. "It’s just a certain offense I was in, I was used in a certain way. I am really good in the receiving game too. I feel like that doesn’t get noticed enough. I’m just an all-around back man. That’s how I see myself."

The one thing all Steelers fans should agree on about Harris is that he showed up every day and gave it his all. Harris never missed a single game in his four seasons with Pittsburgh—a remarkable feat for any running back, let alone one who carried the football 1,097 times during that span. His durability and work ethic were undeniable, even as the offense around him struggled.

Harris endured an absurd amount of punishment, and many of his struggles were clearly tied to the lack of talent within the Steelers' offense. He dealt with inconsistent quarterback play, a weak offensive line, and then a young unit with potential that was plagued by injuries in 2024. Despite those challenges, Harris remained productive, but he never reached a level where the Steelers’ front office felt comfortable committing to him financially the way the Chargers did.

The Chargers signed Harris to a one-year deal worth $5.25 million—actually less than the $6.79 million the Steelers would have guaranteed him by picking up his fifth-year option. Instead, Pittsburgh chose to tender Jaylen Warren and brought in former Philadelphia Eagles backup running back Kenneth Gainwell.

Steelers' 2025 Rushing Attack Is Going To Be Very Interesting To Follow

The Steelers' decision suggests they believe they can get equal or greater production from Warren and Gainwell at a lower cost than committing to Harris at a higher price. Rather than investing in one high-usage back, Pittsburgh appears to be embracing a more cost-effective, committee-style approach to their rushing attack in 2025.

The Steelers are likely eager to see how Warren performs with an expanded workload. He has often looked like the more explosive back when sharing the backfield with Harris, but some pundits wonder if that was simply due to a lighter workload or if he is truly the more talented player. Backup running backs can sometimes appear more effective in limited touches, but the real test comes when they take on a full-time role.

Pittsburgh should get that answer soon. They are also expected to target a talented running back in the draft to further strengthen the position. While the Steelers' backfield will have a new look in 2025, it could remain a key part of their offensive identity.

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