PITTSBURGH — The Steelers have declined the team option on running back Najee Harris’ rookie contract, a decision that will allow Harris to become a free agent following the 2024 season.

The Steelers want to wait and see how Harris and the team’s other running backs perform in new coordinator Arthur Smith’s offense before making a commitment, sources told the Post-Gazette.

The Steelers have not exercised the team option on one of their first-round picks since T.J. Watt in 2020. They also declined the options on 2018 first-round pick Terrell Edmunds and 2019 first-round pick Devin Bush. They did not have a first-round pick in 2020 after trading it to the Dolphins for Minkah Fitzpatrick.

By declining the option on Harris’ contract, the Steelers will save $6.79 million on their 2025 salary cap. Presumably, they will go with Jaylen Warren as their starting running back for the 2025 season. Warren has emerged from the shadows to split time with Harris in the Steelers' backfield over the past two seasons.

Harris led the Steelers in yards from scrimmage last season with 1,205, but Warren was close behind with 1,154. Harris played 53% of the offensive snaps, while Warren played 49% of the snaps.

Still, it’s a bit surprising the Steelers declined the option. The $6.79 million figure is modest by NFL standards for first-round picks from the 2021 draft. The rookie option for quarterbacks is north of $25 million, while offensive linemen get more than $16 million.

Harris led the NFL in touches with 381 as a rookie during the 2021 season. Since Warren came onto the scene as an undrafted free agent one season later, the Steelers have distributed the touches evenly between them.

Harris has rushed for 3,254 yards and scored 28 touchdowns during his first three NFL seasons and averaged a career-high 4.1 yards per carry last season.

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