Steelers reject fifth-year option for Najee Harris
Pittsburgh By declining his fifth-year option before the deadline, the Pittsburgh Steelers are letting running back Najee Harris finish out his rookie contract.
After 2024, Harris had the opportunity to pick up his fifth-year option with the Steelers, allowing them to keep him under contract for a another season.
The trade would have ensured Harris $6.7 million in 2025, after which the team would have to determine whether to retain him.
Rather, in 2024, he will begin the last year of his rookie contract.
One of the most reliable running backs in the NFL has been Harris since he was selected 24th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. He has run for 3,269 yards and 22 touchdowns in three seasons, surpassing the 1,000-yard plateau in each of his first three years with the Steelers.
Although the Steelers may yet decide to keep Harris through to the 2025 season, they are now unsure about their future plans.
With Cordarrelle Patterson signed until 2025, the team’s only other running back on a contract, backup Jaylen Warren is also approaching the last year of his contract.
