The Pittsburgh Steelers shocked many fans when they chose not to pick up Najee Harris’ fifth-year option on his rookie contract, which will make him a free agent following the 2024 NFL season. The option would have paid Harris a fully guaranteed $6.79 million in 2025, and the Steelers decided they didn’t want to sign up for that cap hit. Since his option has been declined, many rumors have begun about possible trades and that Harris asked the organization not to pick up the fifth-year on his rookie deal.

The rumors that Harris asked the team to decline his option began on Thursday, when Paul Zeise went on 93.7 The Fan and shared that he had a source who told him Harris made the request. The report made sense initially, as it seemed like a no-brainer for Pittsburgh to pick up the option. Harris’ agent, Doug Hendrickson, quickly commented on this report as he took to X later on Thursday.

Hey @PaulZeise your “little birdie” source is a joke- next time do your homework and find a real source- not true- @PittsburghPG

— Doug Hendrickson (@DHendrickson41) May 9, 2024

Hendrickson is as close to the situation as possible, as he deals with all of Harris’ contracts. It is now clear that the decision to decline the option was the organization’s, and Harris made no request to have it declined. Harris wanting his option declined wouldn’t be too shocking, as he is about to play his first season in the league behind an adequate offensive line in Arthur Smith’s run-heavy offense. Getting him out of his rookie deal quicker would mean he is eligible for a larger pay day a year sooner.

Steelers Could Get A New Deal Done With Harris

There is always the chance that Harris and Pittsburgh could get a new, multi-year deal done before he is set to hit free agency following the 2024 season. Pittsburgh has a few different opportunities to sign Harris before he becomes available for other teams, as they could work on a deal before training camp, or re-sign him before free agency begins once the 2024 season ends.

Harris’ future in Pittsburgh is in question in part due to the success of Jaylen Warren, who burst onto the scene after he was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2022. There has been constant debate amongst fans on which running back should get more touches, with many believing that Warren is the answer moving forward. As of now, 2024 is shaping up to be Harris’ last season in Pittsburgh, unless a new deal gets done.