Steelers Take Big Risk Not Extending RB

The Pittsburgh Steelers are hoping that all of the moves they made this offseason will pay off come playoff time. It’s the move they didn’t make, however, that may loom large over the team this year.

Not picking up the fifth-year option of running back Najee Harris is a risky move. The last thing you want heading into a season in which you have high aspirations is a key component to your team being disgruntled.

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In three seasons with the Steelers, and a subpar offensive line, Harris has eclipsed 1,000 yards every season and tallied 28 total touchdowns. The decision to not pick up that option or extend his contract is a huge gamble.

Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo was on the North Short Drive Podcast recently and he believes this year will be Harris’ last in Pittsburgh.

"The Steelers turned down Najee Harris at $6.7 million on a one-year deal,” Fittipaldo said. “When I look at it, I just think, when they made that decision in the first week of May, it signaled that they were ready to move on from Najee Harris. I know that Omar Khan has said that doesn't mean a deal can't be done in the future, but just the business aspect of this. If they wait until next March, that number is going to go up more than the Rhamondre Stevenson number.”

Playing a full season with no contract for the following year can be extremely stressful in the NFL because you never know which way the wind is going to blow on how teams value running backs. One thing we do know is that Harris is likely playing for a different team next season.

“I think in the end when they told us they weren't interested in picking up his fifth-year option,” Fittipaldo continued, “just read between the lines that they weren't interested in having him back at all for the 2025 season.”

We are not quite sure why Pittsburgh is going this route. The Steelers have the cap space, and Harris is a top-tier running back. The offensive scheme being installed by new coordinator Arthur Smith is only going to highlight Harris’ abilities.

Barring injury, Harris is going to have a breakout year in this offense this season, and next season another team is going to pay them man more than the Steelers would have to if they extended him right now.

We will see how the gamble pays off.