Steelers decline fifth-year option for running back Najee Harris

What It Means

Harris is now set to become a free agent after the 2024 season, unless the two sides work out a separate new contract in the meantime. The former Alabama rusher has been the Steelers' go-to guy on the ground since entering the league as a first round pick, leading the team in rushing while posting at least 1,000 rushing yards in each of his first three campaigns.

While Harris should still operate as the team's lead back for the upcoming season, the team's decision not to pick up his option could be an early indicator that they have even bigger plans for RB2 Jaylen Warren in the future. Warren's workload doubled between his 2022 rookie season (105 touches) and his 2023 breakout (210 touches), but he still trailed Harris by 74 touches overall. We could see the gap between the two rushers' opportunities become even slimmer this year.

Both backs should still expect plenty of work under new OC Arthur Smith, whose Atlanta Falcons produced efficient rushing offenses while using multiple backs over each of the past few seasons.