Steelers have hours to make Najee Harris’ 5th-year option decision

Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan has a flair for the dramatic this offseason. May 2 — today — is the NFL’s fifth-year option deadline. And the Steelers have yet to announce their decision on whether or not to exercise it on two players on their roster.

Steelers have mere hours to make Najee Harris' 5th-year option decision -  Behind the Steel Curtain

The first is backup quarterback Justin Fields, whose option would cost the Steelers approximately $25 million in 2025. Reports are that Pittsburgh will decline it, to no one’s surprise, letting Fields play out his contract in 2024 with the option of letting him hit free agency or trying to agree to an incentive-laden extension sometime in the next year.

The elephant in the room is Najee Harris, the Steelers’ former first-round running back, whose option in 2025 will be much more affordable, around $7 million. Although Harris hasn’t been the most dynamic during his time with Pittsburgh, there’s no denying he’s been a consistent offensive presence, logging three straight 1,000-plus yard seasons to start his NFL career alongside 22 career rushing touchdowns.

He’s also shown the ability to stay healthy and avoid fumbles.

At well under $10 million in 2025, keeping Harris around in 2025 seems like it could be a smart decision for the front office. However, the Steelers will have to make their decision by the end of the day.

Related Posts

Browns’ Huntley & Thompson-Robinson Viewed as Potential Trade Candidates

The Cleveland Browns quarterback room is one of the deepest in the NFL. While much of their success will depend on Deshaun Watson to perform at the level he…

49ers Urged to Sign Former DPOY Amid Injury Issues

With just one preseason game in the books, the San Francisco 49ers are already dealing with a litany of injuries. Running back Christian McCaffrey (calf), linebacker Fred Warner (foot) and wide receiver Ricky…

Steelers Claim Massive Tackle off Waivers from Ravens

The Pittsburgh Steelers claimed massive 6-foot-5, 380-pound offensive tackle Tykeem Doss off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens. The Pittsburgh Steelers made an addition to their roster on…

Bears Urged to ‘Permanently’ Bench $30 Million Starter in 2024

Getty Bears head coach Matt Eberflus. The Chicago Bears are entering their second-to-last full week of 2024 training camp and still do not have starting right guard Nate Davis back from his…

Former All-Pro WR Has Strong Take on Who Should Start for Raiders at QB

Getty Gardner Minshew & Aidan O’Connell of the Las Vegas Raiders. Through one preseason game, it doesn’t seem like there’s a clear favorite to win the Las Vegas Raiders‘…

Will Nick Harris Signing Alter Future For Another Browns Player?

Last season, Nick Harris was not only the backup center for the Cleveland Browns, but he also served as the fullback for much of the year. The decision…