The Pittsburgh Steelers have some potentially franchise-altering questions that must be answered during the 2025 offseason. General Manager Omar Khan must decide on the future of a few players, some who have been a huge part of the organization over the last several seasons. Most of the fan base is worried about the quarterback position, and whether or not Russell Wilson or Justin Fields will be brought back on a new deal before the start of free agency. However, another player whose future is up in the air is Najee Harris.
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Steelers' Najee Harris runs against the Ravens' defense during a Wild Card game in 2025.
The whole reason Harris is set to hit free agency is because the organization declined his fifth-year option ahead of the 2024 season. This came as a surprise to most, as the running back hasn't missed a start throughout his career and he has eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards in each of his first four seasons. Ultimately the organization didn't want to be committed to Harris through the 2025 season, which means he will likely be playing elsewhere. Former NFL running back Maurice Jones-Drew spoke about Harris' future, and he predicted the back will sign with the Denver Broncos in an article for the NFL.
"The Broncos haven't had a 1,000-yard rusher since Phillip Lindsay in 2019. Harris, meanwhile, became the third player in the past 20 seasons to hit the 1K mark in each of his first four NFL campaigns (joining Adrian Peterson and Chris Johnson). Sean Payton's offense has steadily improved over his first two seasons in Denver, and the future looks bright with Bo Nix at quarterback. What's missing now is a run game. Harris is a physical, downhill rusher who consistently breaks tackles. That's the type of back Payton (and Nix) would welcome."
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Broncos QB Bo Nix rolls out to throw a pass during the 2024 season.
The running game in the Mile High City however, has struggled over the last two seasons. During the 2024 season, Denver had four players who had upwards of 75 rushing attempts, one of which being Nix. The rookie quarterback averaged the most yards per carry out of the group, with Javonte Williams only producing 3.7 yards per attempt.
The lack of effectiveness out of the backfield for Denver could easily lead the organization to signing Harris in free agency, assuming the Steelers and the running back don't strike a new deal. It would provide some consistency at the position for Denver, who has utilized a running back by committee-approach in recent years. With a young quarterback, it should be a priority to have a strong running game.
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Steelers' Jaylen Warren stiff arms a Ravens defender on a run.
Steelers Should Be Able To Rely On Jaylen Warren Moving Forward
Jaylen Warren was brought into the Steelers as an undrafted free agent ahead of the 2022 season, and he was a welcomed surprise. The back provides some explosion that hasn't necessarily been there with Harris, and he is just as effective in pass protection and the passing game. Warren should have no issues taking on the duties of being the lead back for the Steelers, and the organization will likely fill the spot behind him with a rookie.
The 2025 draft class has a ton of talent at running back, and the Steelers should be able to find a quality player on Day Three of the draft. This will be the smart move, rather than spending more money on any running back in free agency.
What do you think about Harris potentially signing with the Broncos? Do you want him back in Pittsburgh? Let us know in the comments below!
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