The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2024 season came to a close on Saturday night after losing to the Baltimore Ravens. The group lost the game by a score of 28-14. This was the last time some players on the current roster would be suiting up in the black and gold. The organization has a ton of questions that need to be answered during the 2025 offseason, and a lot of focus will be put on the quarterback situation. However, there is a group of other players with expiring contracts.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Najee Harris runs the ball during a loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
The organization shocked a lot of fans when it decided to decline Najee Harris' fifth-year option ahead of the 2024 season. Had it been picked up, Harris would be under contract through the 2025 season. Since it was declined, Harris can now hit free agency, unless he strikes a new deal in Pittsburgh before then. Harris was asked by members of the media whether or not he plans on being back in Pittsburgh in the future after the loss to Baltimore.
.@BrianBatko to Najee Harris-
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) January 12, 2025
“Do you wanna be back next year? Or haven’t given much thought to that?”
Najee: “I haven’t given much thought to that.”
Harris doesn't seem very optimistic about his future being with the Steelers. The former first-round pick has played well with the Steelers, but he hasn't quite lived up to his first-round label. The back has hit 1,000 rushing yards in each of his first four seasons with the Steelers, and he hasn't missed a single start, which is extremely rare for a running back.
Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Najee Harris runs the ball during a loss to the Baltimore Ravens in 2024.
Harris' numbers throughout his career are good, but he is certainly a running back that relies on a high volume of carries and touches. He doesn't have much explosion like the other flashy running backs around the league, and his vision has been questioned at times. He will be able to test his value on the open market, unless a new deal is done before then.
It doesn't seem like the Steelers will have any plans on bringing Harris back in 2025. Jaylen Warren has dug into the running back's workload throughout the second half of the season, and it is more likely that the organization brings back Warren who is a restricted free agent. Warren is the more versatile option at running back. He is a better pass-catcher, is better in pass protection, and runs with the same ferocity that Harris is often praised for.
Steven Bisig / USA TODAY Sports
Steelers' Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren catch their breath at Lumen Field in 2023.
Steelers' Najee Harris Likely Played His Last Game With Pittsburgh
Throughout the 2024 season it seemed like a known fact that it was Harris' final season in Pittsburgh. The organization would probably be better off with bringing back Warren on a multi-year deal, while drafting another running back on the third day of the 2025 NFL Draft.
The 2025 draft class is extremely deep at running back, which certainly will play a factor in Pittsburgh's decision. Harris played well with the Steelers, but he will always be compared to where he was drafted. To the organization, his play wasn't good enough. This was made clear by the decision to decline his fifth-year option.
Do you think Harris' time in Pittsburgh is up? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
