Kaboly: Steelers RB Najee Harris' Reaction To Team Declining His 5th-Year Option Will Be $1 Million Question: 'He Can't Be Happy'

The Pittsburgh Steelers recently declined to pick up running back Najee Harris' fifth-year option. Since joining the team, Harris has had his share of struggles, including an ineffective offensive line and an inexperienced offensive coordinator in Matt Canada. Despite that, we have seen Harris run for more than 1,000 yards in each of his first three seasons in the league. 

Harris might be outspoken sometimes, but he's handled everything like a pro. While his offensive teammates have been in the spotlight for their dramatic antics (such as George Pickens), Harris kept his head down and worked. While fans might complain about his lack of enthusiasm during press conferences, he has shown grace in sharing his workload with Jaylen Warren. 

However, the declining of Harris' fifth-year option indicates that the Steelers expect his play to possibly decrease in 2024. They do not think he will be worth the $6.79 million he'd be owed in 2025. That is surprising, given the signing of a new quarterback, Russell Wilson, and Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith. While the decision to pass on Harris another year shocked many, they also wonder how Harris will respond.

On 93.7 The Fan, Mark Kaboly from The Athletic joined Joe Starkey and was asked about Harris' future. He also told Starkey they are all waiting to see how Harris handles the situation.  

"That's gonna be the $1 million question. How is he gonna react? How has he reacted? Will he be trouble in the locker room? We just don't know that right now, because I don't know how to take Najee Harris," said Kaboly. "I don't know if this is something that he'll just grin and take it, or if this is something that, the less he gets used, maybe the less they win if that happens, the more he mouths off and becomes a problem."

While it is very logical to assume the Steelers are waiting to see how Harris performs in this new offense before committing, it still leaves a lot of what-ifs. Harris hasn't given the media enough during his career to be able to determine exactly how he will respond.  

"I'm sure the Steelers think he's going to play good soldier, but he can't be happy. Right? Unless he wanted out like Paul [Zeise] suggested, 'the birdie' said. If not, he can't be happy because he lost $7 million of guaranteed money."

We have no way of knowing if Harris asked to leave Pittsburgh. His agent vehemently indicated on X that the rumor that he asked for the team to decline his option, shared by Paul Zeise, was false. There are a few routes this can go. Harris can have an excellent year, and the Steelers can franchise tag him, but as Kaboly pointed out, if they refused to pay him $7 million, why would they play him $12 million? Harris will, alternatively, enter free agency after this season and find someone else who is willing to sign him. 

It is just hard to imagine that Harris doesn't feel insulted and angry. This is especially true given the difficult situation running backs face in the league. They are used up by teams and thrown away, while paid far less than many of their teammates.

Steelers' Najee Harris Should Fit Perfectly Into Arthur Smith's New Offense

When Smith was the Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator, running back Derrick Henry had some of his best seasons. We know Smith's offense is a run-heavy scheme, which is perhaps why it was so surprising Pittsburgh declined Harris' fifth year. 

On the other hand, it is hard to imagine that they see Warren as the three-down back who can step up if Harris goes elsewhere. Harris, like nearly every other back in the league, seems to be fighting an ongoing battle to get paid at a level that shows respect for his value.