(Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
There are times when what seems like the end of a player’s tenure with an NFL franchise turns out to be anything but.
Despite the Pittsburgh Steelers declining running back Najee Harris’ fifth-year option, which is typically a rather clear indication the club intends to move on, there are new signs this week that the relationship may be far from over.
Steelers management indicated that there is still the desire to keep the former Alabama star with the team.
Pro Football Talk revealed that Steelers General Manager Omar Khan believes the team could still ink Harris to a long-term contract.
Omar Khan: Steelers could still sign Najee Harris to a long-term deal. https://t.co/G3Fg6YfLTi
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) June 17, 2024
Khan previously indicated that the decision early last month was purely a business move and did not reflect it’s deep respect for Harris.
After all, in three years with the club, Harris has gained over 1,000 yards rushing each season and scored 22 touchdowns on the ground.
He also proved his worth as a pass catcher out of the backfield with 144 catches for another six scores.
With the team handing the reins to veteran quarterback Russell Wilson this fall, he needs a viable option for handing off the football and setting up the play-action pass.
Last season, Pittsburgh’s newly extended head coach, Mike Tomlin, adopted a running back-by-committee approach for the first time.
Harris shared duties with Jaylen Warren, who also had over 1,100 yards from scrimmage.
This may lead many to believe the team is not ready to sink significant money into Harris to keep him around, but Khan strongly hinted that this option is still on the table.
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