Steelers Likely to Move On from Najee Harris, Eyeing Explosive Backfield Options

After four seasons with Najee Harris as their primary running back, the Pittsburgh Steelers appear set to part ways with the former Pro Bowler, who is set to hit free agency in March. Once viewed as a cornerstone of the Steelers’ offense, Harris’ decline in production over the past three seasons has prompted Pittsburgh to explore other options.

Harris’ Rollercoaster Tenure in Pittsburgh

Harris’ NFL career began with a bang, as he racked up over 1,200 rushing yards and made the Pro Bowl as a rookie. However, his inability to sustain that production in subsequent seasons led the Steelers to decline his fifth-year option, signaling an end to his time in Pittsburgh.

Reflecting on his time with the Steelers, Harris spoke highly of the organization and the city.

“Most definitely. I like it here in Pittsburgh,” Harris said during the offseason. “I like Coach [Tomlin], Mr. Rooney [team president Art Rooney II], Omar [Khan], even [former general manager] Kevin Colbert when he was here. It’s a good city. Obviously. The people here are nice and are welcoming, but it’s a business. This comes and goes in your life.”

Javonte Williams: A Potential Fit or a Lateral Move?

As Pittsburgh seeks a replacement for Harris, one intriguing name linked to the team is Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams, who is also set to hit free agency. Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox recently suggested that Williams could be an ideal fit for the Steelers.

“Pittsburgh could be the perfect landing spot for Williams,” Knox wrote. “He’d have a chance to reestablish himself in Smith’s run-first offense, while the Steelers would get a suitable complement to Jaylen Warren, possibly at a fraction of the cost of re-signing Harris.”

Williams, like Harris, burst onto the scene as a rookie but has struggled to maintain consistent production. Over the past two seasons, he has failed to average more than 3.7 yards per carry, raising concerns about whether he would be an upgrade over Harris.

Additionally, Williams’ projected contract—three years, $20.5 million—might be too steep for a player whose recent performance hasn’t lived up to his early promise.

Drafting the Answer

Rather than targeting a player like Williams in free agency, the Steelers could find better value in the 2025 NFL Draft. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter Gerry Dulac noted the team’s need for a more explosive, edge-threat running back to complement their current backfield of Harris and Jaylen Warren.

“One of the priorities in the draft will be finding a running back who can get to the edge,” Dulac said on The Rich Eisen Show. “They don’t have that kind of guy. They have two plodders, inside-the-tackles kinds of guys. And so they need to find a guy who can get on the edge to kind of supplement what they already have.”

The upcoming draft features a strong class of running backs, offering Pittsburgh a chance to address their need for speed and explosiveness without breaking the bank. Pairing a rookie with Warren and possibly a low-cost veteran could create a more dynamic backfield for 2025.

The Road Ahead

While the Steelers’ run-first philosophy makes them a natural fit for a player like Williams, signing him would likely be a lateral move at best. Pittsburgh needs a game-changer at running back to reinvigorate their offense, and the draft presents the best opportunity to find one.

As Harris prepares to move on, the Steelers must prioritize adding an explosive playmaker to their backfield, ensuring their offense can take the next step in 2025. For Pittsburgh, the time to invest in a new identity at running back is now.