Report: Najee Harris Asked Steelers To Decline His 5th Year Option So He Can Go 'Play Somewhere Else'

The Pittsburgh Steelers recently stunned fans with their decision to decline star running back Najee Harris' fifth-year option. This unexpected move left many supporters puzzled, as they had anticipated the team would readily exercise the option. By declining the option, the Steelers passed on guaranteeing Harris $6.79 million for the 2025 season, instead positioning him for free agency after the 2024 season.

However, on Thursday, further surprising details emerged. Paul Zeise of 93.7 The Fan shared insights during his segment, divulging that a reliable source had informed him of Harris' preference for the Steelers to decline his option.

“Little birdie said Najee Harris actually asked for the Steelers to decline his fifth-year option because he would like to go play somewhere else,” Zeise said on The Joe Show.

The revelation adds an even more bewildering twist to the Harris fifth-year option saga. At first glance, the notion of Harris himself requesting the decline of his option seems puzzling. However, if true, it suggests a bold move driven by his confidence in his abilities. It also suggests he wants out of Pittsburgh.

By eschewing the security of a guaranteed contract in 2025, Harris appears willing to wager on himself for the 2024 season. Perhaps he envisions a career-defining performance that could translate into a more lucrative deal. By avoiding being locked into Pittsburgh for 2025, he retains the ability to explore his options on the open market.

The Steelers' offseason addition of Arthur Smith as their new offensive coordinator represents a significant change. Smith's track record of fostering successful running backs and implementing effective offensive schemes is well-documented. With an enhanced offensive line and the guidance of Smith, Harris is poised for a potential career year in an ideal environment. It's plausible that Harris recognized this opportunity and concluded that now was the optimal time to truly bet on himself.

Steelers' Najee Harris Playing For Everything In 2024

Harris entered the Steelers fold as a first-round pick in the 2021 NFL draft, swiftly establishing himself as a dependable and productive asset in his first three seasons. His reliability is underscored by his consistent attendance and impressive rushing yardage, surpassing the 1,000-yard mark as a rusher each year. Notably, he earned a Pro Bowl nod in his rookie season and appears poised to reclaim that honor in 2024 under favorable circumstances.

If indeed Harris advocated for the Steelers to forgo his option, it speaks volumes about his confidence in his abilities. It also shows that he's not happy in Pittsburgh. This decision likely stems from a strong desire to deliver a career-defining performance, positioning himself for a lucrative contract in the future. The uncertainty surrounding Harris' future in Pittsburgh will undoubtedly captivate Steelers fans as they closely monitor developments in 2024.