Steelers' Le'Veon Bell Drops Big Hint About Najee Harris In Eye-Opening Statement

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a shocking decision in the 2024 offseason to decline running back Najee Harris' fifth-year option. Had the Steelers exercised it, Harris would have been guaranteed $6.79 million for the 2025 season. Instead, the decision makes him a free agent after 2024, creating uncertainty around his future with the team. This move sparked significant debate about Harris' standing among NFL running backs and whether he has lived up to the expectations of a first-round pick.

Harris has been a solid contributor for Pittsburgh, but his career average of 3.9 yards per carry has left fans divided. While he’s shown flashes of brilliance, he has yet to join the ranks of the league’s elite backs, such as Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley, and even Josh Jacobs—all of whom changed teams during the 2024 offseason. The Steelers’ decision highlights the league-wide trend of devaluing the running back position, raising questions about whether Pittsburgh views Harris as part of its long-term plans.

Amid the debate, former Steelers star Le'Veon Bell weighed in on the state of the running back market through social media. Bell, who once faced similar contract issues with Pittsburgh, appeared to hint that the Steelers should retain Harris. While Harris isn’t on the level of top-tier backs, Bell’s comments align with the notion that letting a talented running back walk in free agency could be a mistake. Bell’s perspective adds another layer to the discussion, underscoring the growing challenges for running backs in today’s NFL. 

There are several ways to analyze these statistics, which make Bell's statement more nuanced than simply looking at win totals. For instance, the Tennessee Titans, Las Vegas Raiders, and even the New York Giants likely wouldn’t have been significantly better even if they had paid up to keep their star running backs. 

The reality is that these players left struggling teams and joined winning organizations. While the situation isn’t overly complicated, the records do raise some interesting questions.

Steelers' Najee Harris Is Hard To Truly Rank

Harris doesn’t quite fit into the category of an elite running back—at least not yet, and perhaps he never will. However, it’s undeniable that he has made a significant impact and has been a game-changing player at times. He has rushed for over 1,000 yards in three consecutive seasons and, remarkably, has never missed a game due to injury. 

Despite this, there are valid concerns about whether he’s worth a hefty contract or if the Steelers should consider finding a cheaper alternative. It's also been hard to truly rank Harris as he has played in a poor offensive system and behind a bad line for most of his career in Pittsburgh.

The Steelers also have Jaylen Warren, who seems likely to remain with the team. Warren has emerged as a valuable asset in the backfield, but some question whether his success is tied to the dynamic created by his partnership with Harris. If Warren were to take on the role of a full-time starting running back, his efficiency might decline.

This presents a challenging dilemma for the Steelers' front office to address after the season. Should they offer Harris at least $7 million to stay, or let him walk? The decision will undoubtedly shape the team’s future, and it will be intriguing to see how Harris’ situation unfolds in the Steel City.

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