PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers got news of what it would cost to pick up the fifth-year option of running back Najee Harris, keeping him under contract through the 2025 season.
Due to the amount of playing time Harris has accumulated during the last three seasons, the Steelers will need to pay him for the basic fifth-year option on top of a “playing time” addition. That number comes out to $6,790,000 for his option.
Harris has eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark in all three of his NFL seasons and has earned a Pro Bowl appearance. He and Jaylen Warren have become the team’s one-two punch and are expected to handle even more of the workload in 2024 with new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith calling the plays.
This past season, he rushed for 1,035 yards and eight touchdowns and had 170 receiving yards.
The Steelers have until May 2 to exercise the option on Harris. If they do not, he will become a free agent after the 2024 season.
As of now, speculation appears to be that the team will pick up the fifth-year option on Harris. As a former captain and increasing part of the offense, it appears the former 24th-overall pick is set to stay in Pittsburgh for another two years, at least.