Pittsburgh Steelers’ running back Najee Harris is gearing up to become one of the most sought-after free agents in the coming March. As a first-round pick, Harris is poised for a potentially lucrative contract offer. However, NFL’s own Kevin Patra has suggested that Harris might end up being overpriced given his somewhat lackluster efficiency on the field.
Harris certainly brings plenty to the table. He’s a tough, consistent player capable of plowing through defenses and racking up significant playing time. On the downside, however, Harris lacks that explosive speed that can make a decisive difference in games. His career average stands at just 3.9 yards per carry, and despite his many touches, he’s never broken a run longer than 37 yards. Patra observes that while Harris is undeniably reliable and robust—having never missed a game—his upcoming free agency shouldn’t be expected to mirror the lucrative deals seen by the likes of Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs last year, contracts that exceeded $12 million annually.
Currently, projections are placing Harris’ potential new contract between $9-11 million. Patra believes this might be a bit steep. Yet, given the scarcity of depth in this free agency class, Harris may indeed secure a desirable payday.
It’s not that Harris hasn’t been productive; on the contrary, he’s the only NFL running back to rush over 1,000 yards each season for the past four years. It’s worth mentioning that the Steelers’ inconsistent offensive line has played a role in his perceived lack of efficiency. There’s an argument floating around that a different team might unlock Harris’s full potential, and if a franchise buys into that belief, he might just see a significant offer.
The option of Harris staying in Pittsburgh remains plausible, especially with head coach Mike Tomlin backing him. However, since the Steelers opted not to take up his fifth-year option, offering him a higher salary than they might have last year could be considered financially imprudent, especially with a strong crop of running backs entering the draft. Yet, Harris is likely to attract interest, whether from the Steelers or elsewhere. It’s noted by Mike Florio that a “dysfunctional” team might lure Harris with a substantial offer just for the sake of acquiring a well-known name.
Recent discussions suggest that while a return to the Steelers isn’t impossible, Harris might find more lucrative opportunities elsewhere. It could also mark a positive change for both him and the Steelers. Looking at how last season’s running back free agents thrived in new environments, Harris might benefit from a similar leap, despite not having the same star appeal as someone like Saquon Barkley or Derrick Henry. Teams could be willing to take a chance, drawing parallels with Tony Pollard’s success and anticipating a comparable trajectory for Harris.
Ultimately, Harris might land a contract that slightly exceeds his on-field performance, but such a deal could be exactly what he needs.
