Writer wrongfully adds Steelers Pro Bowler to list of players facing: 'Make or break 2024 season'

Say what you want about Pittsburgh Steelers RB Najee Harris, one thing you can't argue about is his production.

Quite literally the best start to a career by a RB in franchise history, the decision to decline Najee Harris' fifth-year option was noted as strictly business by both HC Mike Tomlin and GM Omar Khan.

So to think he faces a "make or break season" is fairly absurd, though that's exactly what Alex Kay of Bleacher Report believes:

Najee Harris Make or Break?

The Pittsburgh Steelers seemed to have the league's next star running back on their hands when Najee Harris landed a Pro Bowl nod as a rookie in 2021. Unfortunately, the concerning efficiency metrics that he displayed that year have continued to plague him.

Harris put up 1,200 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground as a rookie, but it took him a hefty 307 totes to reach those marks. He was even less efficient as a sophomore, rushing 272 times for 1,034 yards and seven scores. While he finally managed to average more than four yards per carry in 2023, Harris barely cleared that mark when he ran for 1,035 yards and eight touchdowns on 255 carries.

Due to a combination of Warren's strong play and Harris' inefficient rushing, the Steelers opted not to pick up the latter's fifth-year option.

Harris' free agency value will depend on how he fares this coming season, which should feature Pittsburgh taking a much different offensive approach than it has in recent years. Russell Wilson is now under center, and the Steelers have a new offensive coordinator in Arthur Smith. - Alex Kay, Bleacher Report

I mean, I don't know where to begin. Don't all those figures that Kay listed total over 1000 yards? Didn't Harris do that with downright putrid offensive lines at times and close to half a dozen different quarterbacks? Yes and Yes.

And now, the Steelers have drafted four starting-caliber offensive linemen over the past two drafts and hired an offensive coordinator who specializes and wants to run the ball and there is reason to think he might drop off? And when he's motivated heading into a contract year and in the best shape of his life?

Sorry but sometimes things are just too much of a stretch, and that's the case with this label and Najee Harris.

Related: Steelers' top trade target at WR has officially requested a trade from the San Francisco 49ers