Steelers’ Najee Harris Is "On A Mission" With His Career As He Draws Massive Support From RB Coach Eddie Faulkner

Pittsburgh Steelers running back, Najee Harris has been under constant scrutiny since he arrived as a first-round draft pick in 2021. Many fans were unhappy that the team used their highest pick on a position widely undervalued in today's league. It didn’t matter that Harris was a standout at the University of Alabama, where he helped his college team win two National Championships. Then, as soon as Harris seemed to be part of a stable professional offense, the franchise proved that it also doesn't highly value him when they declined his fifth-year option during the 2024 offseason.

General Manager Omar Khan said the team wants to see how Harris performs in new Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith's system before deciding to keep him. But at $6.7 million, extending Harris felt like a no-brainer to almost everyone. After all, Harris has given the Steelers three 1,000+ yard seasons in a row.   

Questions about Harris‘ future have loomed large this season, particularly considering his success in Smith's offense. Will the Steelers want to keep this more successful version of Harris? Will Harris even want to stay and play for a team that didn’t want him despite his success? The one thing that’s for sure is that Harris is playing like his future depends on it, and it likely does.

Steelers Running Backs Coach Eddie Faulkner told the media when asked about the first half of Harris' season that he has his full support, as well as the support of his teammates.

"Obviously, Najee's on a mission with some of the things he's trying to do with his career, and I'm in full support of that," shared Coach Faulkner. "Those guys are playing hard. They're blocking. It's fun when that's the case."

It isn't like Harris hasn't dealt with his share of adversity since coming to the Steel City. Former Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada struggled to get the offense moving at all, and Harris was often used in an ineffective manner. That was also while the offensive line and quarterback play was at a "junior varsity" level, as Head Coach Mike Tomlin is fond of saying. Those shortcomings sometimes caused Harris to fail to find holes or pick up significant yards. 

Harris has consistently improved during the 2024 season, getting 100+ yards in his last three games in a row. After another outstanding performance against the New York Giants, the Steelers head into their week before returning and playing a gauntlet of really difficult games. They will need Harris to run the kind of bully ball favored by the AFC North teams during the winter. 

Steelers' Najee Harris Happy With This Offense

Harris says he is thrilled to be playing in Smith's offense. It hasn't mattered who is at quarterback, Russell Wilson or Justin Fields; he called it the best one of his professional career.  

He noted that in previous offenses, the Steelers managed to pick up steam as they went along, but this is the first time he's been part of a unit that starts off strong. While Fields was under center, he got the team to a 4-2 record, and since coming into his starting role, Wilson has won two straight. Harris credits them all for the success—the offensive line, quarterbacks, and the coaching staff. He believes this strong start is an auspicious sign. 

While the fans might not always be happy with Harris and constantly comment that Jaylen Warren is better, his teammates praise him. Linebacker Patrick Queen has gone up against Harris when he was with the Baltimore Ravens. He said that he is glad to be on the same team as him now, noting that the way Harris stiff-arms and hurdles defenders is challenging to stop. He said he hits hard and is "mean" and "nasty" on the field.

What are the chances Harris will be back on the Steelers in 2025? Click to comment below. 

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