Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris was the center of a few rumors that he wants to become a free agent sooner so that he can leave Pittsburgh. His agent has now cleared a few things up and has told the media that Harris wants to stay with the team that drafted him.
Najee Harris Agent Refutes Rumors
The agent that represents Najee Harris took to the media to deny the rumor about him trying to reach free agency sooner so that he can leave the Steelers. Per Andrew Gould of The Spun:
Paul Zeise of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette said Thursday on 93.7 The Fan that a “little birdie” told him Harris asked the Pittsburgh Steelers to decline his fifth-year player option for 2025. Zeise claimed he received the intel from the same source who told him the team was trading for Justin Fields.
Harris’ agent Doug Hendrickson, took to social media to dispute this report:
“Your ‘little birdie’ source is a joke,” Hendrickson wrote. “Next time do your homework and find a real source. Not true.”
Pittsburgh Steelers Decline Najee Harris Option
The team shockingly declined Harris’ fifth year option last week, which makes this upcoming season the final one for Harris under contract. This does not mean that Pittsburgh is done with Harris, but that they may sign him after this year.
Harris has not jumped off the TV screen, but he has been one of the most consistent backs since getting drafted. It may be a blessing for him to wait and get the guaranteed money in a different season.
Harris would have been set to make $6.8 million in 2025 if the Steelers picked up his fifth year option. Harris, who is only 26 years old, may not land a higher salary as the market for running backs has not been great in recent years.
Harris has gone over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his first three seasons in the NFL and he averages 3.9 yards a carry over the course of his young career. This past off season the NFL saw many running backs moving around, and some of them did get a great contract. Harris may be the best running back available in next years off season in which he would probably get a decent contract. His agent says that Harris wants to stay put.
Related: BREAKING: Pittsburgh Steelers Make Shocking Decision On Future Of RB Najee Harris