The Pittsburgh Steelers have one of the best running back tandems in the entire NFL with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren in the backfield. Harris, 26, was the Steelers' first round draft selection of the 2021 draft and was declined his fifth-year option on Thursday. Warren, 25, an undrafted free agent that was picked up in 2022, has been catching eyes around the league since his arrival. After two seasons, Warren is starting to be considered as one of the best out there.
Harris and Warren have been a couple of the only bright spots of the Steelers' offense over the last two seasons. With Pittsburgh having below average quarterback play and terrible offensive schemes, the running backs have been the focal point. However, the two have not been able to play to their maximum potential given the play calling and the lack of talent on the offensive line.
Harris has continued to receive the larger workload of the two backs, while Warren will come in and make splash plays left and right whenever his name is called upon. The two work great together as a committee, but there has always been a debate roaming about which deserves to earn more touches.
As the Steelers decide to decline Harris' option worth $6.79 million, the speculation about his future in Pittsburgh continues to grow. It seemed like a no-brainer, considering the amount of appreciation and praise Harris receives from Steelers' Head Coach Mike Tomlin and General Manager Omar Khan. It's been reported that the Steelers would like to observe how Harris and Warren respond to the new offensive system ran by new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith before offering Harris any guaranteed money.
During a segment on ESPN's NFL Live, insiders were discussing the details of Pittsburgh's decision with Harris. Eventually, insider Mina Kimes explained how she views he and Warren.
"They've also identified something that Brooke talked about, which is that Jaylen Warren is the best back on their roster. And I want to say this, he's not just more explosive than Harris, he's one of the best backs in the NFL. I think he's so complete, so good at forcing missed tackles, he's good at pass protection, and he can catch passes."
The Harris and Warren debate has continued since the 2022 season, but started to become an even more hot topic as Warren's numbers drastically improved in 2023. Warren went from 77 carries for 379 yards and one touchdown his rookie season to 149 touches for 784 yards and four scores in 2023. As Warren essentially doubled his numbers from his freshman season to his sophomore season, it was inevitable that analysts and fans would hope that Warren would become the starter ahead of Harris.
"So for Pittsburgh, I think this year they're going to run it back with Warren and Harris, but next year I suspect they'll hold onto Warren and they'll probably do what Mike talked about in this year's draft that a lot of teams did, which is draft a back in the later rounds to add to that committee," Kimes said.
The 2024 season will be the ultimate test for Harris, Warren, and the Steelers' offense entirely. After bringing in a new coordinator, revamping the quarterback room, and completing the offensive line, there should be no more excuses for not putting points on the board. This season could ultimately decide who we see as the lone starter in the backfield in 2025.
Steelers' Najee Harris Could Still Reach A Deal For An Extension
Although the Steelers did not pick up his option, it doesn't rule out that Harris could return for multiple years. The possibility of Harris having a breakout season under Smith's offense is still very likely, but the Steelers would rather play it safe than sorry. In one of the worst offenses in the league, Harris was still able to reach over 1,000 rushing yards each season. Now, behind an improved line and a new play caller, Harris has the chance to show what he can really do.
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