A Crucial Decision Looms for the Steelers Regarding Najee Harris
As the deadline quickly approaches, the Pittsburgh Steelers are faced with a pivotal decision that could shape their future: whether to exercise the fifth-year option for standout running back Najee Harris. Harris, known for his durability and consistency, has made an indelible mark on the team over his first three seasons, a tenure that has been nothing short of remarkable.Harris: A Pillar of Consistency
Harris has emerged as a model of both durability and productivity since joining the Steelers as the No. 24 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. His impeccable record of never missing a game coupled with his achievement of racking up three consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons speaks volumes about his value to the team. Last season, Harris distinguished himself as the first Steelers player to rush for 1,000 yards in each of his first seasons in the NFL, a testament to his work ethic and talent.
Coach Mike Tomlin, speaking at the NFL annual meeting in March, couldn’t help but praise Harris for his performance. "Najee has been consistent since he’s been with us," Tomlin stated. He underscored Harris's achievement in rushing for over 1,000 yards in each of his first three seasons, a rarity that illustrates Harris's significant contribution to the team.
The Fifth-Year Option Dilemma
The Steelers are now at a crossroads, with the deadline to exercise Harris’s fifth-year option looming this Thursday. If enacted, the option would secure Harris a $6.97 million salary for the 2025 season, also guaranteeing his $2.439 million salary for the current season. This financial commitment is a reflection of Harris's pivotal role in the team's offense and their future plans.
However, the decision is not straightforward. The Steelers face a similar decision regarding quarterback Justin Fields, whom they are not expected to extend with a fifth-year option, which would amount to $25.644 million in 2025. The discrepancy in the financial commitment required for both players highlights the intricate decisions teams must make under the constraints of the salary cap.
It’s important to note that exercising the fifth-year option is a strategy employed by NFL teams to secure key players from their draft class. Harris was part of the 2021 NFL Draft, a class that has already seen 17 of its first-round picks have their options exercised or sign long-term contracts before May. However, the Steelers have shown restraint with this option in the past, having not exercised Devin Bush's fifth-year option two years ago.
A Record of Achievement
Harris's record is impressive; he leads the NFL in touches as a rookie with 381 and has made 51 consecutive starts since his debut. Despite the Steelers' efforts to manage his workload in the past two seasons, Harris remains the only NFL running back to achieve 1,000 yards in each of the past three years. His performance and fitness have solidified his position as one of the most reliable and effective running backs in the league.
The final decision on Harris’s fifth-year option will undoubtedly have significant implications for the Steelers. With a blend of talent, consistency, and durability, Harris has proven himself as an essential component of the team's success. As the deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the Steelers’ front office to see if they will secure their star running back for another season, ensuring that Harris continues to be a cornerstone of their offense as they build toward future successes.
T.J. Watt remains the last Steelers first-round pick to have his fifth-year option exercised, indicative of the selectivity with which the organization approaches these decisions. With Harris's exemplary record and the high esteem in which he's held, both within the team and throughout the league, the Steelers have a tough decision to make. However, given Harris's contributions and the potential for future achievements, it's a decision that could well define the Steelers’ trajectory in the years to come.