Najee Harris Disappointed but Moving Forward After Steelers Decline Option, No Extension Offered
Najee Harris wishes he could stay with the Pittsburgh Steelers long-term. However, he also hoped the team would pick up his fifth-year contract option for 2025, which they didn’t. Harris revealed on Wednesday that the team hasn’t approached him about a long-term deal either.
Speaking from Saint Vincent College as the Steelers kicked off training camp, Harris said, “I like it here in Pittsburgh. I like ‘Coach T’ (Mike Tomlin), Mr. (Art) Rooney, (general manager) Omar Khan. It’s a good city, and the people are welcoming.” Acknowledging the business aspect of the sport, Harris added, “It comes and goes in your life. I’ve always been in the driver’s seat of this, God has been steering it, and wherever he stops the car is where I’m working. Whether it’s here or somewhere else, I’ll do whatever I can for that team.”
Harris, speaking to the media for the first time since the Steelers’ season ended in January, admitted he was initially disappointed when informed that his $6.7 million option for next season wouldn’t be exercised. The reason given was uncertainty about the offense’s direction.
With a new coordinator, Arthur Smith, and a new starting quarterback, Russell Wilson, the Steelers decided to wait until after the 2024 season to make a decision on Harris, their 2021 first-round pick. Jaylen Warren also matched Harris’ playing time at running back last season, contributing to the decision.
Reflecting on the news, Harris said, “I was disappointed for a minute, but there’s nothing to gain from dwelling on it. You’ve got to keep pushing and focus on having a good year.”
Since entering the league, no player has more touches than Harris (978). He is the only NFL player to surpass 1,000 rushing yards in each of the past three seasons. However, his career per-rush average is under 4.0, and his career-high rate last season (4.1) ranked only 23rd in the NFL.
Jaylen Warren noted that Harris’ contract status hasn’t impacted his mindset for the camp. “He wants to come in, get his work in, and he’s still hungry,” Warren said.
