On pace for his fourth-consecutive 1000+ yard season, Harris is among elite company in 2024: He’s tied with Baltimore Ravens’ Derrick Henry for the most 25+ yard rushes (4) over the last three weeks. Philadephia Eagles’ Saquon Barkley joins them with three.

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers chose not to pick up Najee Harris's fifth-year option this offseason, leaving the former first-round pick on the final year of his rookie deal. This offseason, Harris will hit the open market, and while there was ...

All of which means the Steelers can and should offer Harris an extension. Besides his ascent as a runner, he offers the kind of work ethic that every player should emulate. He’s an absolute maniac on the field and has, from all indications, been a good sport about the declined option.

Because each is a “big back” of similar listed weight and that each entered the league after winning a national championship as the featured back at Alabama, Derrick Henry and Najee Harris were bound to draw comparisons.

The Pittsburgh Steelers took a calculated risk when they declined running back Najee Harris' fifth-year option on his rookie deal. Picking up the option would have guaranteed Harris a salary of around $7 million in 2025 before forcing the two sides to make a decision for 2026 and onward.

The Pittsburgh Steelers were able to have a relatively stress-free offseason in 2024. The team didn't have many pending free agents, and they took care of the two contract extensions that were a priority with Cam Heyward and Pat Freiermuth.