Steelers don’t pick up Najee Harris’ fifth-year option: which teams could be interested in the RB?

It looks like Najee Harris’ spell with the Pittsburgh Steelers is coming to an end after the NFL team declined a fifth-year option in the player’s contract. Harris joined the Steelers as a First Round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and he made the Pro Bowl in his first season.

The 26-year-old is the only player in the history of the Pittsburgh Steelers to record more than a thousand rushing yards in each of his first three seasons with the team. The running back managed eight rushing touchdowns in 2023 but his yardage had dropped compared to previous seasons. Harris had 1,200 rushing yards in his rookie year, 1,034 in his second and 1,035 in his third for a total of 3,269 yards.

NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reports that the Steelers have declined Harris’ fifth-year option but could still offer him a new contract. The Steelers will wait to see how he performs under new offensive coodinator Arthur Smith before making a decision.

For the 2024 season the Steelers has a number of other options to play running back. This offseason they have brought in free agent Cordarrelle Patterson, and also have Jaylen Warren and Aaron Shampklin to consider in the role. The 2022 addition of Warren, in particular, has cut Harris’ playing time in Pittsburgh.

Where could Najee Harris go next?

Still only 26 years old, Harris would likely have a number of suitors if he were to be available on a cut-price trade ahead of the 2024 season. He is incredibly durable and has a solid record in the past three seasons, making him a good option for any team looking to bolster their offense.

The Dallas Cowboys would provide a good home for Harris, who would suit their run-oriented play under Mike McCarthy. Another team who may look for a running back upgrade is the Los Angeles Chargers, who lost Austin Ekeler in free agency. Harris would likely start over the likes of J. K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards and Kimani VIdal.

Finally, the New York Giants are looking for a replacement for Saquon Barkley, who left for the Philadelphia Eagles. The Giants have brought in Devin Singletary but Harris offers greater dynamism and will be more durable than the former Texan RB.

Why have Pittsburgh rejected Justin Fields’ option?

The Steelers have also declined a fifth-year option on quarterback Justin Fields, who is entering the final year of his contract. He will not enter free agency until 2025 and the Steelers are willing to wait on the $25 million extension clause.

Fields was the No. 11 overall pick for the Chicago Bears in the 2021 NFL Draft and enjoyed a historic start for the team. In his debut season he set the single-game regular season record for a quarterback’s rushing yards. He was traded to the Steelers this offseason and, as he’s still on his rookie contract, has a cap hit of just $3.2 million for the upcoming season.

During his stay in Chicago the 25-year-old QB saw action in 40 Games and managed to accumulate 6,674 yards with 40 touchdown passes and 30 interceptions. The Bears struggled during his time with the team but Fields’ numbers single him out as a player with real potential as a running QB, finishing 2023 with a career-best 61.4% completion percentage.