One of the biggest salary decisions the Pittsburgh Steelers need to make this offseason is whether or not to use the fifth-year option on running back Najee Harris. Harris is headed into this fourth season in 2024, and the addition of new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith only helps Harris’ case to get the extra year.
Harris has topped 1,000 rushing yards in each of his first three seasons and has 4,135 yards of total offense and 28 total touchdowns. Those numbers might not have been enough to sway the Steelers front office with Jaylen Warren on the team, but with Smith on the staff and his run-heavy schemes, Harris is a perfect fit.
Smith was the Titans offensive coordinator in 2019 and 2020, and Derrick Henry led the league in rushing attempts, yards and touchdowns in both seasons. They are also the only two seasons in which Henry has averaged more than five yards per carry.
Harris’ running style fits perfectly with what Smith wants to do, and while we don’t expect to see him take an exclusive role in the run game as long as Warren is there, Harris’ value is too high in this scheme not to take advantage of the fifth-year option.
As with all other first-round picks from the 2021 draft, the deadline for the Steelers to exercise the option on Harris is May 2.
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