Steelers Might Remedy An Unpopular Decision By Making A Trade For An Explosive Running Back

The consensus on the Pittsburgh Steelers' biggest needs during the 2025 offseason seem to begin with the defensive line and end with wide receiver. However, the reality is they have a lot of needs, including running back. The running back position has become such an undervalued position in the NFL that fans think of it almost as a secondary priority. Until the recent Saquon Barkley contract by the Philadelphia Eagles, they weren't making more than $20 million a year. 

When the Steelers selected Najee Harris in the first round in 2021, they expected him to be the backbone of their running game for a significant amount of time. Harris had helped the University of Alabama win two National Championships. Despite Harris consistently putting up 1,000+ yard seasons while being durable and available, they chose not to offer him the fifth-year extension on his rookie contract. That means Harris will be a free agent in just a few days. 

This also leaves a hole in the Steelers' roster. Yes, they have restricted free agent Jaylen Warren, who they are expected to retain, but they will need to find someone to partner with him. On the Kaboly and Mack Show, co-host Chris Mack told Steelers reporter Mark Kaboly from The Pat McAfee Show, that he believes there needs to be a 1B to go with Warren as a 1A. He said even with Cordarrelle Patterson, who is still under contract in the backfield, Warren would need a complementary back, like Harris, to run with him. While the prevailing notion is that the Steelers will seek a running back in the draft, Kaboly thinks they could look to add a free agent. 

"What about a guy like Travis Etienne," asked Kaboly as Mack pointed out he isn't a free agent. "Oh, you don't think that anybody's on the board for the Jaguars to get rid of? They got what's his name, a better guy, Tank Bigsby. So I mean, he could be a guy, I heard somebody saying they could be interested in moving him. I think there's going to be guys who are going to come free here. You can just add one who's not a young guy, but not an old guy. One of those in between cheaper guys, a couple of million to cover your rear end until the draft. I think you can do that, or you can wait until after the draft; there'll probably be some guys left after the draft. So that's my prediction."

Travis Etienne Jr. competed with Harris for their draft class' top running back spot. Etienne played for Clemson, and while some felt he had a superior college season, Harris was chosen one spot ahead of Etienne's 25 at 24. Etienne unfortunately missed his entire rookie season with a Lisfranc injury, while Harris put up Pro Bowl numbers with Ben Roethlisberger under center. 

However, there was a bit of a role reversal after that. Etienne had an outstanding sophomore season. Once Etienne bounced back from the Lisfranc injury, he proved to be a durable back who shows good bursts of speed and an ability to hit holes that Harris seems to miss. Many ask if they took the wrong running back in that draft. However, with the addition of Tank Bigsby, Etienne is likely now expendable to the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

Steelers Could Keep Najee Harris

Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin is known to be one of Harris' biggest fans. Harris was a team captain in 2022, showing him more than your average confidence level. Tomlin noted how appreciative he was of all of Harris' efforts over the past four years. Tomlin has praised Harris for his efforts and his consistency. This is why fellow reporter Gerry Dulac cautioned fans to not be too sure that Harris will be gone. Dulac said there is a good chance that "Tomlin gets his way" during the offseason and Harris returns to the Steelers. 

What do you think about replacing Harris with Etienne? Comment below! 

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