The Steelers Are Set To Have A Difficult Offseason In 2025 As The Likely Price Is Revealed For Najee Harris

The Pittsburgh Steelers were able to have a relatively stress-free offseason in 2024. The team didn't have many pending free agents, and they took care of the two contract extensions that were a priority with Cam Heyward and Pat Freiermuth. The organization also made sure to give special teams-ace Miles Killebrew a new deal, but other than that, there weren't any players that the Steelers had to worry about walking away from the organization. That certainly won't be the case after the 2024 season.

One pending free agent in Pittsburgh that the organization should want to bring back is Najee Harris. Harris is off to the best start of his career, and he seems to be getting better every week. The organization declined his fifth-year option back during the 2024 offseason, which means he is set to hit free agency following the current season. The decision to decline his fifth-year option was questioned by many fans. Harris has rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his first three seasons in the NFL and he has been the most durable running back since entering the league in 2021.

Declining Harris' fifth-year option might end up being the biggest mistake of Omar Khan's young career as a general manager. Had Khan picked up the option, the organization would have owed Harris $6.79 million during the 2025 season. This would have been fully guaranteed towards Harris, and the organization decided against it.

The issue with not picking up Harris' option is that the Steelers will now have to make a decision on whether or not they sign the back to a new deal following the season. A lot can happen before then. Harris can have the best season of his life, and other running backs around the league can reset the market. Pittsburgh is already seeing some backs do that, as Chuba Hubbard just signed a four-year extension worth $33.2 million with the Carolina Panthers. That has an average annual value of $8.4 million.

Hubbard and Harris are from the same 2021 draft class, so it is almost guaranteed that Harris will be basing his next contract off of what Hubbard got. Unlike Harris, Hubbard has never rushed for 1,000 yards in a season. When looking at the stat sheets of the two players, it is clear to tell that Harris should be getting paid more than Hubbard, so Pittsburgh will have a tough decision to make when it comes to bringing back Harris in 2025.

Harris will have to want to come back to Pittsburgh, and he should want to based on the trajectory of the current offense. It will come down to the organization on whether or not they are willing to commit financially to Harris as their running back. The franchise tag is also in play for Harris, but that would likely be more expensive for the 2025 season.

Steelers' Najee Harris Looks Better Than Ever In 2024

The main reason a lot of fans were upset with the Steelers declining Harris' option is that Arthur Smith was coming in to be the offensive coordinator. This would be the first time Harris has had a competent play-caller in his career as a Steeler, and Smith's offense is extremely run-heavy. Harris was set up for success in 2024, so his production so far really is no surprise. 

The fourth-year running back has ran for over 100 yards in three straight games, and he is averaging a career best of 4.4 yards per carry. Harris will be seeking a pay day where he will be bringing in over $8.4 million per year, and it will be interesting to see if Pittsburgh is willing to fork over that kind of a money for a running back.

Where do you think Harris will be playing in 2025? Let us know in the comments below!

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