Steelers GM leaves door open for Najee Harris to stay in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing the tough decision in their backfield of whether or not to extend the contract of star running back Najee Harris.

The Steelers' front office declined Harris' fifth-year option this summer, which would have paid slightly less than $7 million (ranked 13th among running backs). Just because the Steelers turned away the extra year doesn't mean his time in Pittsburgh is coming to a close, according to general manager Omar Khan.

"I can tell you we think the world of Najee and just because that option wasn't exercised doesn't mean that he doesn't have a future here," Khan told reporters Thursday. "He represents us well. You guys know what he's like as a football player. He's a great football player. He's great to have in the building. So, you know, I still see a future with Najee."

Paying running backs a heavy salary has not panned out in recent years, with the exception of San Francisco 49ers' Christian McCaffrey. The reason CMC's deal is worth every penny stems from his ability as a duel threat, catching 67 passes for 564 yards last season.

While Harris does not offer this same value as a pass-catcher, his partner, Jaylen Warren, does. Not only does Warren thrive as a receiving threat, but he is also the more efficient runner of the tandem. Harris averaged 4.1 yards per carry compared to his counterpart's 5.3.

It's clear Harris will need a breakout campaign in his fourth season to earn a substantial deal from the Steelers.