Steelers Decide Not to Renew Fifth-Year Option for Superstar Running Back Najee Harris, Leaving Future Uncertain

The Pittsburgh Steelers have decided not to exercise the fifth-year option on running back Najee Harris, which means he will become a free agent after the 2024-25 season. Despite having a successful season last year, leading the Steelers with 1,035 yards and eight rushing touchdowns, and reaching the 1,000-yard mark in three consecutive seasons, playing in all 51 regular-season games.

With new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith implementing his system, the Steelers want to see how Harris and other running backs on the roster perform. According to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter Gerry Dulac, Harris was the Steelers’ first-round pick in 2021, coming out of Alabama. In his three seasons with the team, he has rushed for 3,269 yards and 22 touchdowns. Harris holds the distinction of being the first Steelers running back to start his career with three straight 1,000-yard seasons and is the only running back in the NFL to reach 1,000 yards in the last three years.

During the previous season, the Steelers reduced Harris’ workload slightly and gave more carries to Jaylen Warren, who is also a threat in the passing game. By not picking up his fifth-year option, the Steelers avoid paying Harris a guaranteed $6.7 million for the 2025 season. However, there is still a possibility that they could sign him to a contract extension. Harris will be 27 years old by then and is considered to still be in the prime of his career despite having logged over 1