Steelers Get Advice That It May Be Time To Move On From Najee Harris: 'I Don’t Care About A Thousand-Yard Season'

The Pittsburgh Steelers sent shockwaves through the fan base on Thursday with their surprising move to decline star running back Najee Harris' fifth-year option. Instead of extending his contract, they opted to let him enter free agency after the 2024 season. By passing on the option, the Steelers passed up on guaranteeing Harris $6.79 million for the 2025 season, deeming it too hefty a commitment.

On Thursday afternoon, Steve Palazzolo of Pro Football Focus joined the 93.7 The Fan show to talk about the implications of declining Harris' option. While some had debated the decision, many had viewed it as a no-brainer to pick it up. However, Palazzolo's insights shed further light on the Steelers' rationale behind their bold move.

"Yeah, I might be even higher on Najee than everyone else is. I think he's fine as a runner, but you definitely saw what you guys are citing. I don't care about a thousand-yard season or anything; that's like 59 yards per game right now in a 17-game schedule. That's not a big deal. But I think the idea of getting the next running back in there is fine. And I mean that's why when we went back a few years ago, we said don't use that first round pick on a running back.”

The Steelers' selection of Harris in the first round of the 2021 draft stirred some controversy. While Harris was widely regarded as a talented running back, using a first-round pick on the position at that time raised eyebrows among some observers, questioning the wisdom of such a move.

Palazzolo further elaborated on why he believes it's logical for the Steelers to part ways with Harris after this season.

"You also have to take into the analysis how effective Jaylen Warren was last year behind that same offensive line, creating explosive plays. I thought Najee was fine, but he really came on at the end and looked a little bit better down the stretch, but was inconsistent and we just saw a much more explosive running attack with Warren. So yeah, I think it does make sense to move on."

Jaylen Warren's journey from undrafted free agent to Steelers standout epitomizes resilience and hard work. Every rep earned, every yard gained, Warren's ascent was marked by relentless determination, culminating in a solid performance during the 2023 season. Rushing 149 times for 784 yards and four touchdowns, he showcased his ability to consistently deliver on the field, boasting an impressive 5.26 yards per carry average.

While Warren has proven himself as a solid running back in his two seasons in the league, the arrival of Arthur Smith as the offensive coordinator signals a potential uptick in workload and efficiency for both Warren and Harris. With Smith's expertise, the duo is primed for a breakout season in 2024, poised to make a significant impact on the Steelers' offensive game plan.

Steelers’ Najee Harris Is An Important Part Of Pittsburgh’s Offense

While Warren has garnered significant praise, it's worth considering that second-string running backs often thrive on explosive plays. Take the Dallas Cowboys, for instance, with Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard. Both were serviceable, but when Pollard assumed the lead role, his production waned, leading to his departure from the team while Elliott reclaimed the spotlight.

Similarly, the Steelers seem to be evaluating their options regarding Harris. Reports suggest they want to assess his performance under Smith's guidance.