Steelers GM keeps door open for potential Najee Harris extension

The Steelers decided to decline the fifth-year option on running back Najee Harris last month.

It is a move that has since been highly debated, as it was worth just $6.79M for a running back who became the first player in franchise history to rush for 1,000 yards in his first three seasons.

However, general manager Omar Khan said Pittsburgh could still sign Harris to a contract extension and prevent him from ever hitting the open market.

"It was a business decision that we had to make by, I think it was May 2," Khan said on 93.7 The Fan. "Najee's awesome to have around here. Love Najee as a player and a person. And just because we didn't pick it up, that doesn't exclude us from doing something with Najee for the long term."

The main question is, when would a potential extension come?

According to ESPN's Brooke Pryor, the Steelers want to see how Harris and fellow running back Jaylen Warren function in new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's offense before making a long-term commitment to them.

That hints Pittsburgh is not interested in conducting any contract talks before the start of the season, and the team has typically not extended anyone during the season, either.

So although the Steelers may want Harris back after this year, that just might not be how things play out.

"I'd love to say Najee was here and had a long career in Pittsburgh. He really represents us well on the field and off the field," Khan added. "But it was one of those things we had to make a decision on. We just felt right now it was the right decision for everyone."

Even if Pittsburgh was interested in extending Harris ahead of the season, it's likely that his asking price would be too high.

Harris has been very vocal about how he disagrees with the devaluation of running backs, but that's not letting Khan completely shut the door on Harris.

"He knows that just because we're going into this with one year left, that doesn't prevent us from doing business long term," Khan finished.

The Steelers finally put the finishing touches on their offensive line in the 2024 NFL Draft by selecting offensive tackle Troy Fautanu in the first round (No. 20) and center Zach Frazier in the second round (No. 51).

If Harris has a dominant 2024 campaign as a result, it will cost Pittsburgh a lot more money in the long run, or the team could lose him all together.