What is happening with Najee Harris and the Pittsburg Steelers Speculation has surfaced that there may be some animosity over Omar Khan declining the fifth-year option for Harris.
Harris did not participate in the first two days of the minicamp. Could Harris have a non-disclosed injury or is this about contract negotiations?
Najee Harris Declined Option – Simply Business
Steeler General Manager Omar Khan expresses his fondness for Harris, So was the decision not to exercise the option simply a logical business move or a formidable play? During an interview yesterday with 93.7 The Fan (June 13, 2024), Khan said:
“But Najee’s awesome to have around here. Love Najee as a player and a person. Just because we didn’t pick it up doesn’t exclude us from doing something with Najee long term. 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.
“It was one of those things we had to make a decision on. We just felt right now that was the right decision for everyone. I love Najee. I’d love to have him here long term.”
These words leave some confused. Because we hear accolades of Harris’ ability on the field and words of admiration but no fifth-year option has been exercised.
Najee Harris RB With Impressive Stats
Najee Harris started all 17 games in each of the past three seasons (2021, 2022, and 2023) with the Steelers and has a total of 28 touchdowns. He also has 144 receptions. Read his full career stats on nfl.com
There is no denying Najee Harris plays a great game on the field and he might have a great strategy off the field too. He has so far been quiet about the Steelers’ decision leaving no opportunity for misinterpretation of his words. Just like on the field, his actions will speak loudly. But even so, it looks like Harris will be a free agent at the end of the 2024 season.
Steelers and Najee Harris – A Wait And See Approach
The Steelers acquired Author Smith as offensive coordinator. Smith was OC for the Falcons and has a 16-year-long career with the NFL. https://www.steelers.com/team/coaches-roster/arthur-smith
“Under Smith’s guidance, the Falcons led the NFL in fewest penalties (2022), ranked third in successful play rate on rushing attempts, based on EPA, (2022), finished third in rushing yards/game (2022), ninth in rushing yards/game (2023), 10th in third-down conversion rate (2022), 13th in third-down conversion rate (2023) and 13th in passing yards/attempt (2023).”
The Steeler signed two new RBs after declining the 5th-year option for Harris. La’Mical Perine and were signed days after Khan’s refusal of Harris’s 5th-year option. Perhaps the Steelers are waiting to see how the offense shapes up under the new OC before making a huge investment in Najee Harris.
About the Author
Lori was born in Jacksonville, Florida. She was in Jacksonville when the Jaguars became the 30th NFL Franchise. Her son began playing football in middle school and continued playing through his senior year of high school. Lori’s daughter was born during a Super Bowl game. She and her family are avid sports enthusiasts.
Lori is a freelance writer with Total Apex Sports and is dedicated to creating interesting, accurate, and concise articles. Lori reports that writing for Total Apex Sports is an honor, and each day is full of exciting experiences.
Lori has a bachelor’s degree in Business Management with an emphasis on Project Management and has written technical documents for more than a decade.
You may contact Lori by email at lori@loriratto.com. Visit www.loriratto.com and follow me on X lorirattolori
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