Report: Pittsburgh Steelers Made A ‘Business Decision’ On RB Najee Harris
Report: Pittsburgh Steelers Made A ‘Business Decision’ On RB Najee Harris
Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan recently opened up on an important decline they made this offseason on running back Najee Harris. The Steelers running back did not participate in practice at mandatory minicamp and declined to talk to the media this week.
The Pittsburgh Steelers appear set to make Jaylen Warren RB1 soon
As previously discussed on GH by Matt Lombardo, the Steelers are expected to move on from Harris as they get ready to give the RB1 job to Jaylen Warren:
After all, the Steelers decided earlier this offseason not to exercise the star running back’s fifth-year option, continuing the erosion of the running back market that seemed to reach its crescendo during the 2023 NFL offseason.
Harris, 26, has rushed for 3,269 yards through his first three seasons, with 22 touchdowns since being chosen by the Steelers with the No. 24 overall pick in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
But, with no long-term security in the Iron City, the stakes couldn’t be higher for Harris in 2024.
Harris has been the focus of trade rumors this offseason. The former first-round pick could give the Steelers the capital they need to build at a more pressing need: wide receiver.
The Steelers made a business decision on Najee Harris
Per a transcription of Khan’s comments on the NFL’s website, the Steelers GM told the audience of 93.7 The Fan that he chose not to exercise Harris’ fifth-year option because it was the right decision for everyone involved. Khan is still open to extending Harris:
“It was a business decision that we had to make by May 2,” Khan said during a Thursday appearance on 93.7 The Fan. “But Najee’s awesome to have around here. Love Najee as a player and a person. Just because we didn’t pick it up doesn’t exclude us from doing something with Najee long term. I’d love to say Najee was here and had a long career in Pittsburgh. He really represents us well on the field and off the field.
“It was one of those things we had to make a decision on. We just felt right now that was the right decision for everyone. I love Najee. I’d love to have him here long term.”
Stats for running backs don’t matter in the new era
Harris has been a major part of the Steelers’ offense since 2021. He’s run for 3,269 yards and 22 touchdowns and added 866 yards and six touchdowns in the passing game.
Unfortunately, the running back position isn’t valuable in the league. The Steelers, who won’t have the benefit of paying their starting quarterback on the veteran minimum next season, can save money by forgoing Harris and paying Warren to carry the load instead.
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