Stunningly, the Pittsburgh Steelers declined Najee Harris' fifth-year option. After being drafted in the first round in the 2021 NFL Draft, Harris had four productive seasons in Pittsburgh. He's rushed for 4312 yards and 28 touchdowns in those four seasons.
He's been the epitome of consistency, playing in all 17 games in each of his four seasons with the Steelers. He's eclipsed 1000 yards in each season so far. The Steelers could have picked up his fifth-year option and brought him back on a relatively cheap contract for 2025. Instead, they've allowed him to hit the open market.
Running backs have struggled to earn big contracts on the open market, but last season's free agency boom with Derrick Henry in Baltimore and Saquon Barkley in Philadelphia could lead to a bigger market for Harris and the other free agent running backs this offseason.
According to Spotrac, Harris is projected to earn a three-year contract worth a little over $27 million. It's an extra year and similar AAV (average annual value) to what the Lions gave David Montgomery. I'm sure Harris will be hoping for a bit more than that, perhaps something similar to the 4-year, $48 million contract that Josh Jacobs got with the Packers.
What teams will be in the Harris sweepstakes? Let's examine the three best fits for the former Alabama star.
3 best landing spots for Najee Harris in Free Agency
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers declining Harris' fifth-year option seemed to signal the end of his days in Pittsburgh. Recent reports have indicated that Harris could return to the Steelers, however.
Harris would likely be open to remaining in the only NFL city he has called home. He has had a productive beginning to his career there and if they are willing to pony up and pay him a fair market value, then there's probably a good chance Harris remains in the Steel City.
2. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys made a big mistake last offseason and never reached out to Derrick Henry. Maybe Jerry Jones can rectify that by signing a different former Alabama RB this offseason.
Dallas struggled running the football early in the season, but Rico Dowdle came on down the stretch and ended up with a productive 1000-yard season on 4.6 yards-per-carry. He's a free agent, though, and it remains to be seen if Dallas wants to bring him back.
He'd likely be cheaper than Harris, but not quite the same splash signing.
1. Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh has long coveted Harris. Michigan was the runner-up in his recruitment when Harbaugh was in Ann Arbor. He nearly landed the coveted former five-star RB before Harris ultimately decided to follow QB Tua Tagovailoa to Tuscaloosa.
This could be a do-over for Harbaugh. He already has a relationship with Harris and the Chargers are a team that would likely be appealing for him. They have a talented QB in Justin Herbert, but it's no secret that Harbaugh is going to want to build this team into a power running team like he had at Michigan and with the San Francisco 49ers before that.
JK Dobbins had a productive season, but his durability remains a concern. He's also a free agent this offseason. Harris has proven to be durable and would be an excellent fit for the play-style. It would also allow him the opportunity to move back to the West Coast where he's from.