The Pittsburgh Steelers will look to bring back running back Najee Harris in free agency next month. According to a few reports, the Steelers may sign Harris to a new contract which is surprising they’re building a new regime under Jaylen Warren. However, the hope is that Pittsburgh could bring Harris on a cheap deal as their No. 2 runner but many should expect him to test the market first before committing to any contract the Steelers offer. Pittsburgh is being “aggressive” to re-sign Harris before the free agency which is a bit confusing since the team didn’t pick up his fifth-year option.
Originally selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the former Alabama product has been depleting each year as the season progresses as he doesn’t have the “‘it” factor which means it makes sense for the Steelers to part ways for their own good. However, that doesn’t matter to the Steelers as long as he has durability but that’s been almost nonexistent since the run game last season was one of the worst. It may be a smarter move for the Steelers to completely move away from Harris as he will likely have at least one team who could take a shot on him. It’ll be interesting to see what type of offers the Steelers will give Harris but other teams could bring him on a better contract.
Steelers Looking to Bring Back Najee Harris Before Free Agency – Could Leave for Cowboys, Panthers, Saints
Biggest Need for Dallas
The Dallas Cowboys had a sour ending to their 2024 campaign while the team still had hopes to make it at least to a wild card last season. However, all of those were dreams since after Dak Prescott’s brutal injury, the offense wasn’t on the same page which led to Mike McCarthy’s departure from the team. In all of that, the running back department was bleak the entire season even though they brought back Ezekiel Elliott as their No. 2. Rico Dowdle had his moments but it wasn’t anywhere near the MVP level the organization was hoping so he’ll likely walk in free agency.
The Cowboys will be in the market for a running back and while they may turn focusing on this year’s draft, they should sign a capable veteran as backup. Dallas is known for depending on the draft but the team must target a few veterans that can move the chains. Harris isn’t going to run all over the place but he is easily the best running back on that team if Dallas decides to sign him.
Other Suitors
For the Carolina Panthers, quarterback Bryce Young is in good hands with running back Chuba Hubbard after his recent contract extension last season. However, the depth behind him looks weak as veteran Miles Sanders will likely be cut and Jonathon Brooks will be out for the entire 2025 season. A running back should be their No. 1 priority even though Young needs more capable wide receivers. Perhaps, Harris could carve out a role on a one-year deal to revive his career in a new scenery while the Panthers remain patient for Brooks’ return.
Meanwhile, the Saints need someone to lean on whenever star Alvin Kamara isn’t out there on the field. Jamaal Williams isn’t getting any better as he already has two underwhelming seasons in his belt struggling to get carries. Harris doesn’t need to be the godfather but someone who could relieve the pressure off of Kamara.
The post Steelers Looking to Bring Back Free Agent Pro Bowler – Could Leave for Cowboys, Panthers, Saints appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.