Anderson: Steelers' Najee Harris Makes Very Clear Move Revealing His Future In Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted running back Najee Harris in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Expectations were sky-high, and Harris somewhat lived up to the hype by rushing for over 1,000 yards in each of his first four seasons, while never missing a game. The debate is out if he truly lived up to the hype but he did some good in Pittsburgh. The issue is that being a first-round pick as a running back means you need to be the best in the league at that spot or otherwise it was probably a bad pick. Harris' consistency and durability quickly earned him a prominent role in the offense, becoming one of the team's most reliable playmakers. 

However, it seems that Harris is now facing a major turning point in his career. The Steelers made the decision not to pick up his fifth-year option ahead of the 2024 season, which would have guaranteed him $6.79 million. This move raised questions about Harris’ future in Pittsburgh, as it’s likely the team is preparing to move on from the running back after his four seasons in the Steel City.

NFL insider Josina Anderson provided some telling insight into Harris' situation on social media this past Monday. Her post hinted at a possible departure from the Steelers, signaling that the running back could be making a major change in his career. As the 2025 season looms, it appears Harris’ time in Pittsburgh may be coming to an end, marking a potentially life-changing shift for the player and his career.

"I was told RB Najee Harris began some goodbyes to some Steelers yesterday, while prepping for the fluid process of Free Agency," Anderson said. "Harris turned 27 yesterday."

Harris just celebrated his 27th birthday on Sunday, but it already feels like his time in the Steel City might be coming to an end. The Steelers recently picked up running back Jaylen Warren’s second-round tender, signaling that he is expected to be part of their plans for 2025 and beyond. If Pittsburgh does let Harris walk, as many believe they will, Warren is likely to step into a much larger role in the backfield next season.

Warren, an undrafted free agent in 2022, has proven to be a promising asset whenever given the ball. While he has had some struggles with fumbles at inopportune moments, his impressive 4.8 yards per carry speaks volumes about his potential. The Steelers will soon discover if he can sustain that average while handling a heavier workload in the future.

Steelers Prepare For Future With Potential RB Changes And New Offensive Weapons

The Steelers will probably look to replace Harris either through the draft or by signing a veteran running back in free agency, or potentially both. With Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith known for his physical, bruising style of football that relies heavily on the run game, Pittsburgh will need to ensure they have the right pieces in place to maintain that identity.

In addition, with the acquisition of wide receiver DK Metcalf, the Steelers’ offense now boasts a new weapon that could help ease the pressure on their running game. Metcalf, alongside George Pickens, should create more opportunities in the passing game, opening up the offense and allowing the running back group to thrive even without Harris in the mix.

The 2024 season was set to be a pivotal one for Harris, but the Steelers' decision not to pick up his fifth-year option suggests that his time in Pittsburgh may be nearing its end. Despite a solid 2024 season, where he rushed for 1,043 yards on 263 carries and scored six rushing touchdowns, it now appears that Harris is likely on his way out. 

With his future uncertain, Steelers fans will be left watching closely as the team navigates its running back situation and wonders where Harris will land next in free agency. The next chapter of Harris' career promises to be one of intrigue for both Steelers fans and the wider NFL community.

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