The Pittsburgh Steelers still have plenty of time to pick up their fifth-year option on running back Najee Harris, and depending on who you ask, it may be the only contract the former Alabama Crimson Tide star will be getting from the AFC North division franchise. For Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac, he feels that the Steelers will not offer an extension deal for Harris (h/t Allison Koehler of Steelers Wire).

“I think his fifth-year option could be and possibly will be picked up this season, but I don’t think he will be given a contract extension,” Dulac wrote in his Feb. 22 Steelers fan chat. “If you look at what’s happening around the league, chances of a RB getting a second contract after his rookie deal aren’t exactly great. Look at what the Steelers did with Le’Veon Bell, a back who was more productive and impactful than Harris?”

The Pittsburgh Steelers Have To Make A Decision On Najee Harris

Pittsburgh Steelers, Najee Harris
December 23, 2023; Pittsburgh, OH; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) carries the ball as Cincinnati Bengals cornerback DJ Turner II (20) defends in the third quarter during the game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Mandatory Credit: Kareem Elgazzar-USA TODAY NETWORK
The Pittsburgh Steelers can pick up their fifth-year option on Harris on or before May 2. Should they end up declining that option that’s worth $6.79 million, it would put Harris on pace to hit the free agent market by the end of the 2024 NFL season.

Harris has been a fixture in the backfield of the Steelers. Together with Jaylen Warren, Harris formed a solid 1-2 combo in the team’s ground attack. Selected in the first round (24th overall) by the Steelers at the 2021 NFL Draft, Harris has rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his first three seasons in the pros. In 2023, he had 1,035 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 255 carries.