Typically, when teams are coming off big wins and two games above .500 they don't offload starters.
But the Pittsburgh Steelers aren't your typical franchise. We know how they view their draft picks and how much they value in-house development.
That's why, coming off of one of his better games this season, Pittsburgh shouldn't immediately hang up the phone if they receive calls about Najee Harris:
Sell High
Harris struck paydirt for the first time this season, and before that, he looked spry as the offensive line started to dent the Rams' defense. The problem is, he still managed only 3.8 yards per carry and only allocated 53 yards on what was tied for his second-most rushing attempts of the season (14).
And to be clear, I like Najee, and I think he's a Pro Bowl-caliber back. But right now, for what the Steelers' offense is, and for how they design and scheme their run game, Harris simply isn't a fit, evidenced by the explosion of Jaylen Warren:
Now this play certainly helped his average, and the two are equal on the season at 3.9, but Warren averaged nearly 1.5 yards more per carry vs. the Rams, is the more reliable pass catcher of the two, and has shown to be useful as third-down back in both pass protection and as an outlet.
Not to mention, he's simply a better fit for the zone scheme Pittsburgh wasn't to employ.
So I'm not saying the Steelers should shop Harris, but if the phone rings, they should certainly answer.
The trade deadline is Halloween, meaning we have another weekend of games before the deadline comes.
Should someone lose their lead back, or look for a bruiser to win down the stretch, Harris could be the name they need, potentially leaving Pittsburgh.
But only for the right price.
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