Harris’ option declined, potential for long-term deal is real

The Steelers have declined Najee Harris’ fifth-year option. He is now set to become a free agent after the 2024 season. 

Declining Harris’ fifth-year option is very surprising. If the team had picked it up, Harris would have carried a cap hit of only $6.79 million in 2025. That seems like a fair price for a running back that's recorded at least 1,000 yards in each of his first three seasons. Instead, Harris now enters a contract year.

However, the Steelers' decision to decline Harris' option may not mean his time in Pittsburgh is coming to an end. One team source confirmed with me that there is real potential for a long-term contract and that the team will try to get that done this summer.

Should the worst play out between the Steelers and Harris, Jaylen Warren’s emergence into a legitimate NFL running back has made Harris' potential departure a bit easier to swallow. However, the Steelers will also have to determine their future with Warren as he's entering the final year of his three-year rookie contract and is set to become a restricted free agent next spring.

In addition to Harris, the Steelers declined the fifth-year option on Justin Fields, which was fully expected given the 2025 cap hit would have been worth more than $25 million. Fields will also be come an unrestricted free agent after the 2024 season.