The Pittsburgh Steelers made the decision to decline running back Najee Harris' fifth-year option earlier this offseason, which will make him a free agent after the 2024 campaign, barring the two sides agreeing to an extension.
It seems the star is coming to terms with his lack of leverage in the situation, as he spoke with reporters about the value of his position on Wednesday.
“I wouldn’t (running backs) say devalued,” Harris shared . “They’re only devalued when it comes time to pay. They’re not devalued, though, if you look around. There are games where I literally carry the offense. It’s not really devalued, but when it comes time to pay, that’s when they want to devalue the position.”
Harris rushed for 1,035 yards and eight touchdowns on 255 attempts last season. He also caught 29 passes for 170 yards, but these stats are not worthy of a major contract. The final year of a deal is valued at the highest degree for professional athletes, as it heavily determines their future pay.
The issue for Harris is his backfield partner, Jaylen Warren, is showing much more upside as a rusher and pass-catcher. He recorded 61 catches for 370 yards in his sophomore campaign, and averaged over one more yard per carry than Harris.
“Right now, we’re not in the best position because if they tell us to carry the ball this number of times, you can’t say no,” Harris said. “It won’t look good on you. You don’t really have any leverage right now as a running back. There’s nothing really you can do.”
As far as contract extension talks with the Steelers goes, Harris said there hasn't been any.
“I can’t control that. What I can control is going out there, working like I said," Harris said . "If that’s something that comes across the table — I’ll be happy to answer your questions now, but there hasn’t been nothing. So I don’t really know.”
Reality is setting in for the 26-year-old, who is just going to have to put his best foot forward in 2024 and hope for the best next offseason.
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