The Pittsburgh Steelers have had one of the best running back rooms in the NFL since the start of the 2022 season. The duo of Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren has formed the perfect combination of power and explosiveness, with both backs being able to run through defenders and Warren having blazing speed. The Steelers found each of these players in different ways, as Harris was a first round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and Warren was an undrafted free agent in 2022. Now, rumors are flowing that Harris may not be in Pittsburgh for long.
Harris shockingly had his fifth-year option declined by Pittsburgh, which means he will be a free agent following the 2024 NFL season if a new deal is not reached between the two parties. As of now, there is nothing to suggest a contract extension is coming any time soon, so things are shaping up for 2024 to be Harris' last season in Pittsburgh. There has already been talk about Warren taking over as the featured back and getting the majority of the touches out of the backfield, and if that is the plan going forward, Harris could certainly be dealt before the 2024 seasons kicks off.
Albert Breer was asked about Harris, and what it might cost for a team to trade for him, as well as what the overall interest in Harris is around the league.
"A Day 2 pick, maybe? I don't know, to be honest. But there a few teams, given that the Pittsburgh Steelers have Jaylen Warren, who should put in the ask."
Due to the Steelers' luxury at the running back position, they could be open to moving on from Harris, especially after declining his option which many assumed would be picked up. There was already incorrect trade rumors about Harris potentially being dealt to the Dallas Cowboys, but that should just be the start of the trade speculation as he could be available for the right price.
A Day 2 pick for Harris could definitely pique the Steelers' interest, as losing Harris after the 2024 season for nothing is much worse than dealing him for a second or third round pick before the season even begins. Harris has been one of the most successful running backs in the league since he entered the NFL in 2021, as he is the only back to rush for over 1,000 yards in all three of those seasons. He's as consistent as it comes at the position, and he has had a decent amount of success so far in his career while running behind below average offensive lines.
The Steelers and General Manager Omar Khan have not made it clear on whether or not they would listen to trade offers for Harris. He has been a leader of the offense for the last three seasons, and is the workhorse running back that Pittsburgh needs to complement Warren. It's probably unlikely he gets moved, but there should certainly be some teams interested in the fourth-year running back.
Steelers Need To Keep Najee Harris For At Least The 2024 Season
The Steelers can't rush into having Warren take over the role as the featured running back in the offense. It needs to be a gradual change. Teams constantly make the mistake of having their backup or third down back take over the workload, and it doesn't work out. Warren has never had over 150 carries during a season, while Harris has had 255 or more in three straight years. That's a lot of carries that would need to be taken if Harris gets traded.
The Steelers brought in a new offensive coordinator in Arthur Smith, who operates an extremely run-heavy offense. It would be best for Pittsburgh to have two above average running backs to shoulder the load of the offense, instead of trading Harris away and relying solely on Warren to produce from the position.
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