Najee Harris Sending Strong Message To Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers recently declined their fifth-year option on running back Najee Harris, and it has apparently lit a fire under him with training camp around the corner.

Harris’ trainer, Josh Scott, recently spoke with Brian Batko of The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and provided a very encouraging update on the former Pro Bowler.

“He’s motivated, to say the least,” Scott said.

Harris is coming off of a 2023 campaign in which he played every game and registered 1,035 yards and eight touchdowns while averaging 4.1 yards per carry.

Scott said that Harris has dropped seven pounds, going from 242 to 235. He added that Harris has been “obsessively clean” with his diet.

“It’s all fueling his fire to have an even better season than last year and prove a lot of people wrong,” Scott said. “There’s a lot of people that hate on him for whatever reason, but he’s been as consistent as you can be. He’s durable. I think he’s going to continue with that. I mean, contract season, that pretty much speaks for itself.”

Harris, who played his collegiate football at the University of Alabama, was selected by the Steelers with the 24th overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft.

He posted big numbers during his rookie season, racking up 1,200 yards and seven scores on the ground, although he logged just 3.9 yards per attempt. He also hauled in 74 receptions for 467 yards while reaching the end zone three times, making the Pro Bowl for his efforts.

The 26-year-old followed that up by recording 1,034 yards and seven touchdowns while posting 3.8 yards per tote in his sophomore year. He added 41 catches for 229 yards and three scores.

Harris has never missed a game.

This past season, the emergence of fellow halfback Jaylen Warren may have made Harris expendable in Pittsburgh’s eyes, which explains why the club turned down Harris’ fifth year.

There has also been trade speculation surrounding Harris due to the Steelers’ recent decision, although there has been no indication that Pittsburgh is actually planning on moving him.

Harris is now slated to become a free agent after next season, so the Martinez, Ca. product could be in for a big season in 2024.

We’ll see if Najee Harris can make the Steelers pay for not buying into that fifth season.