On Feb. 29, Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan stated that the NFL team has not decided whether to
exercise its option on running back Najee Harris’ rookie contract for a fifth season.
Harris signed a four-year contract worth $13.047 million after being selected 24th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft
from Alabama by Pittsburgh. Harris’ contract, like that of other first-round picks, included a team option for a fifth
season.
Pittsburgh must exercise its option for the 2025 season by May 2. If the Steelers sign Harris, they will guarantee him
a $6.79 million payout in 2025.
If it was Harris’ salary for the 2024 season, he would be ranked 12th among NFL running backs in terms of income.
If Pittsburgh declines to exercise its option, Harris could become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
Prior to that, the Steelers might sign Harris to a contract extension.
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Tomlin commended Harris after stating that the option decision “has not” been made.
“Obviously, Naj has been a model of consistency since he’s been with us,” Tomlin told reporters. “I think I saw a
statistic about his three 1,000-yard seasons being rare company, and I just think that illustrates how he’s been for
us.”
Harris became the 18th player in NFL history to carry for 1,000 yards in each of his first three seasons.
Throughout his NFL career, Harris had 834 rush attempts for 3,269 yards and 22 touchdowns, as well as 144
receptions for 866 yards and six scores.
Only three other players in NFL history have had as many rushing yards and receptions as Harris in their first three
seasons: Pro Football Hall of Fame members Edgerrin James and LaDainian Tomlinson, and former Auburn star
William Andrews.
Harris, a two-time 1,000-yard rusher for Alabama, received unanimous All-American honors, won the Doak Walker
Award as the nation’s finest running back, and established an SEC single-season touchdown record for the Crimson
Tide’s unbeaten CFP national championship squad in 2020.
