The Pittsburgh Steelers are not expected to re-sign running back Najee Harris before free agency opens next week. The deadline to apply the franchise tag was Tuesday. Unsurprisingly, Harris was not among the players tagged.
Harris is about to witness his four-year rookie contract expire after the Steelers previously declined the fifth-year option. In 2024, the former Alabama standout rushed for 1,043 yards and a career-low six touchdowns, averaging a pedestrian 4.0 yards per carry. It marked the third consecutive season Harris barely surpassed 1,000 yards. He added 36 receptions and 283 receiving yards to his offensive totals.
Harris should receive some interest on the open market. He's proven to be an effective member of a tandem backfield. We've identified three potential landing spots for Harris via free agency.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders fielded the worst rushing attack in the league last season, averaging a 32nd-ranked 79.8 ground yards per game. Not a single rusher reached 450 yards. Veterans Ameer Abdullah and Alexander Mattison are on expiring contracts and probably won’t be re-signed by new general manager John Spytek. Furthermore, Zamir White hasn’t proven capable of leading a backfield.
Spytek must prioritize upgrading his backfield this offseason. New head coach Pete Carroll is an old-school leader who believes in running the football effectively. With quarterback questions still looming, Carroll will prefer to field an offense that can establish and lean on the run. The Raiders are scheduled to possess $95.3 million in cap space, the second-most in the league. They possess the financial flexibility required to sign Harris to a reasonable contract.
Cleveland Browns
Nick Chubb is a pending free agent. After years of dealing with difficult injuries and setbacks, his illustrious career with the Cleveland Browns is set to come to an end. Veteran ball-carrier D’Onta Foreman, who was signed as insurance for Chubb, is also scheduled for free agency. Cleveland’s backfield will look significantly different next season.
Jerome Ford was impressive throughout 2024, averaging 5.4 yards per carry. Ford is most effective in a rotation, not as a three-down back. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski's offense will have a new starting quarterback next season, so spending a little money on a veteran back would help smooth the transition.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are never hesitant to acquire veteran running backs. Last season, Kareem Hunt and Samaje Perine filled those roles for the Andy Reid offense. Hunt and Perine are both on expiring contracts and neither player is expected back, given their advancing ages.
Isiah Pacheco endured the worst campaign of his career in 2024 after being limited to seven regular-season appearances with injury. The Chiefs aren't going to entrust their entire backfield to Pacheco after he appeared to lose a step upon his return. Reid's offense thrives on rotating multiple backs with differing skill sets. They're the type of organization that would buy low on Harris' talent.
