PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Earlier this week, Eagles Saquon Barkley set a record for running backs landing a two-year extension worth $41.2 million. Does this impact your thoughts offering free agent Najee Harris and what he might be worth?
Two years ago, at the start of training camp, Harris told us he was all-in with Barkley when the Penn Stater wanted a new contract. He said running backs were grossly underpaid and are being used by NFL teams. Now that Barkley, who rushed for over 2,000 yards and helped the Eagles win the Super Bowl, is getting over $20 million a year. What might Harris want?
Spotrac.com projects Harris could get $9 million annually. There is money available with the expansion of the cap, spotrac.com projects the Steelers have $53 million to spend and there are other players they could release or restructure to make even more room.
Is he worth that estimated number for multiple years or the ask might be for even more.
If the Steelers really wanted Harris, they could have picked up his fifth-year option. It’s not a lack of production, no tailback in Steelers history rushed for 1,000 yards in each of his first four seasons. The numbers are insanely similar in the last three years:
· 1,034 yards in 2022
· 1,035 yards in 2023
· 1,043 yards in 2024
He’s only fumbled five times and none last season. Receiving-180 receptions for 1,149 yards and six touchdowns, no TDs in the last two years.
It’s not that you can’t rely on Harris. He has played every game, sometimes fighting through injury and historically gets stronger as the game and season goes on which is a credit to his fitness and desire.
It’s just he doesn’t provide a lot of explosive plays. He’s had nine, 100-yard games in four years. That is fewer than Barkley had in 2024 (11). Last season Harris did have 10 runs of 20-plus yards which was fifth best in the league, but his longest run was 36 yards, which was 38th best in the NFL. In 2023, his longest run was 25 yards, 52nd best.
What do the Steelers want in a tailback? Harris is steady. He can survive and thrive over a full season. He’ll break tackles and can catch the ball out of the backfield.
Does Harris, on a long-term deal, make the Steelers offense better?