Pittsburgh Steelers fourth-year running back Najee Harris is entering a make-or-break season in 2024. General manager Omar Khan declined his fifth-year option earlier this offseason, all but ensuring he'll enter free agency next summer. It's truly or never for Harris' tenure as a Steeler.
The former No. 24 overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft has been a workhorse since joining the Steelers, but efficiency has been a constant problem. Harris earned 307 carries as a rookie, the second-most of any ball-carrier that year. He rushed for a career-high 1,200 yards but averaged just 3.9 yards per carry. Harris added 74 receptions for 467 yards and three touchdowns to his offensive totals.
Harris' sophomore season welcomed more of the same inefficiency. The former Alabama standout saw his average rushing output dip to 3.8 yards per carry as he rushed for 1,034 yards via 272 carries. His passing-game production also suffered a significant dip, totaling just 41 catches for 229 yards.
Wastefulness was once again the theme of Harris’ 2023 campaign. Harris averaged a personal-high 4.1 yards per carry, still a below-average mark, while barely clinching his third consecutive 1,000-yard campaign (1,035). It’s among the most unimpressive three straight 1,000-yard seasons in recent memory.
The Steelers have decreased Harris’ involvement in the offense every single year. He totaled a career-low 284 touches this past season. Harris was out-produced by former UDFA running back Jaylen Warren, who averaged 5.49 yards per touch compared to Harris’ 4.24.
Steelers RB Najee Harris ready for a crucial Year 4 pic.twitter.com/51X7u39uFQ
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) May 28, 2024
In Harris' defense, the surroundings have seldom been ideal. Pittsburgh drafting quarterback Kenny Pickett in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft was a mistake. The offensive line has been a work in progress throughout the entirety of Harris' tenure. And finally, head coach Mike Tomlin showed loyalty to struggling offensive coordinator Matt Canada for far too long.
This summer’s changing circumstances offer hope that Harris can get his career back on track. The offensive line has been transformed by utilizing back-to-back first-round picks on offensive tackles Broderick Jones Jr. and Troy Fautanu. The quarterback spot was upgraded by acquiring both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields via trade.
Yet the move that could make the biggest positive impact on Harris' outlook was the appointment of offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. In three years as the Atlanta Falcons head coach, Smith's offense finished 31st, third, and ninth in rushing. He was the Tennessee Titans' offensive coordinator in 2020 when Derrick Henry rushed for 2,000 yards.
Smith's Falcons posted 1,081 rushing attempts across 2022 and 2023. Only the Bears fielded a more run-heavy offense (1,092) throughout the previous two seasons. With an aging and declining Wilson at quarterback and a passing attack that no longer has Diontae Johnson at receiver, expect Smith to bring his run-first offense to Pittsburgh—something that could benefit Harris if better efficiency is secured behind an improved offensive line.
There's a significant amount of money riding on Harris’ showings this season. Khan recently claimed the Steelers are still entertaining signing him to a long-term contract extension. Harris can prove he deserves to be a focal point of the offense for years to come via productive performances in 2024.
