Steelers General Manager Omar Khan made a strategic decision regarding running back Najee Harris by opting not to pick up the fifth-year option on his rookie contract. However, Khan emphasized in an interview with 93.7 The Fan, that this decision doesn’t rule out Harris’s future in Pittsburgh beyond his current deal.
“It was a business decision that we had to make by, I think, May 2,” Khan explained. “But Najee’s awesome to have around here. I love Najee as a player and a person. And just because we didn’t pick it up, that doesn’t exclude us from doing something with Najee for the long term. I’d love to see Najee have a long career in Pittsburgh. He really represents us well on and off the field. But it was one of those things we had to make a decision on. We just felt right now it was the right decision for everyone. But I love Najee and I would love to have him here long term.”
If the Steelers had exercised Harris’s fifth-year option, it would have cost the team approximately $10.1 million in 2025. Instead, by not picking up the option, they maintain flexibility in their salary cap while still leaving the door open for future negotiations.
Khan mentioned that he personally informed Harris of the team’s decision, though he did not divulge the specifics of their conversation. He remained optimistic about Harris’s prospects with the team, highlighting that the lack of a fifth-year option does not prevent future long-term agreements.
“He knows that just because we’re going into this with one year left, that doesn’t prevent us from doing business with him long-term,” Khan stated.
Harris has been a significant player for the Steelers since they drafted him in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Over his first two seasons, Harris demonstrated his versatility and reliability as a workhorse back. In his rookie season, he played all 17 games and rushed for 1,200 yards on 307 carries, averaging 3.9 yards per carry, and scored 7 rushing touchdowns. He also proved to be a valuable asset in the passing game, catching 74 passes for 467 yards and 3 touchdowns. This performance earned him a Pro Bowl selection, highlighting his immediate impact on the team.
In his second season, despite facing some challenges, Harris continued to be a key offensive contributor. He played in 17 games, rushing for 1,034 yards on 272 carries with 7 touchdowns. While his yards per carry slightly dipped to 3.8, he remained a focal point of the Steelers’ offense. Additionally, he caught 41 passes for 229 yards and 3 touchdowns, underscoring his dual-threat capability.
Harris’s performance on the field and his presence off it make him a valuable asset, one that Pittsburgh might be keen to retain despite the initial business decision. In a league where running backs are often undervalued in contract negotiations, Harris might still find that the Steelers are willing to invest in him more significantly than other teams. His ability to contribute both as a runner and a receiver adds immense value to the Steelers’ offense, making him a player they likely want to keep in the fold for years to come.