Najee Signs Contract Extension, Calls on Fans to Support His Journey in Kansas City

The buzz around Najee Harris leaving the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025 has sparked all kinds of chatter across the NFL landscape. Betting odds from PennStakes.com suggest that the Steelers are still the frontrunners to retain him at +200 odds, despite whispers linking him with several franchises. Hot on their heels are the Las Vegas Raiders and Dallas Cowboys, both at +600 odds, with the Los Angeles Chargers, Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, and Minnesota Vikings also in the mix.

Let’s break down why these teams are in the conversation. The Raiders and Broncos have been previously highlighted as potential suits for Harris, who is adept at grounding and pounding his way through defenses. Other franchises like the Chargers, Cowboys, Bears, and Vikings are shopping for running back reliability as well, underpinning just how in-demand a player of Harris’ caliber truly is.

Despite being a steady performer, with over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his four seasons, the Steelers raised eyebrows by declining his $6.79 million fifth-year option in May. This move indicates that Pittsburgh might be setting the stage for a future without Harris – a decision perhaps tied to his perceived lack of fit in Arthur Smith’s offensive scheme.

The popular NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah has suggested that Harris’ skill set might lack the necessary explosiveness required for the Steelers’ plans. Jeremiah commented, “They’re just not fast enough.

Najee Harris, I know he’s a fan favorite because he’s tough, falls forward, and he’s physical. He’s got no juice.

If you’re going to be a team reliant on the run game, you’ve got to be able to pop some explosive runs. That’s not 10-15 yards, that’s 50 or 60 yards.”

Adding to this sentiment, Dan Pizzuta of The 33rd Team opined that while Harris’ volume-filled performance has been consistent, it hasn’t been efficient or explosive. A three-year, $27.5 million contract is the buzzed-about sum Harris might command on the free market, translating to a robust $9.2 million annually – a figure placing him among the top-paid backs in the NFL.

Curiously, while the odds and pundits lean toward an exit, Steelers President Art Rooney II didn’t shut the door on Harris returning: “Najee’s a good player and we’ll evaluate whether we can bring him back. He’s going to have choices, too.

It’s a position that is important to us. Whether it’s Najee or somebody else, it’s going to be an important position.”

Looking at teams that may benefit from Harris’ talents, former NFL standout Maurice Jones-Drew sees the Denver Broncos as an ideal match. “The Broncos haven’t had a 1,000-yard rusher since Phillip Lindsay in 2019.

Harris, meanwhile, became the third player in the past 20 seasons to hit the 1K mark in each of his first four NFL campaigns,” he noted. Jones-Drew highlighted Harris’ tough, tackle-breaking style as perfect for Sean Payton’s evolving offense in Denver, particularly with promising quarterback Bo Nix in the pocket.

Moreover, Raiders stalwart Maxx Crosby is openly championing Harris’ move to Vegas, making a personal appeal for his fellow Bay Area native. “Why not?

He’s from the Bay. Najee’s a baller,” Crosby said, expressing his admiration for Harris’ gritty playstyle and his proven yardage, vouching for his potential to fit and thrive with the Raiders.

While Harris’ future is in the air, his proven track record as a consistent, reliable rusher continues to make him an enticing target for several franchises. As the 2025 NFL season looms, where Harris suits up will indeed be a story to watch.

Message to Steelers Nation

In his signature social media style, Harris expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm for his return:

“Back in Pittsburgh, and we’re ready to make some noise. Thanks for all the support, Steelers Nation—let’s go get that championship. #SteelersNation #LetsRunItBack”

Within moments, Steelers fans flooded the comments, celebrating the return of one of the team’s most beloved and passionate players.

What’s Next for the Steelers?

With Harris back in the fold, the Steelers’ offense remains a force to be reckoned with. His return ensures that the team has a reliable and versatile weapon in the backfield, capable of taking over games both on the ground and in the passing game. Alongside quarterback Kenny Pickett, wide receiver Diontae Johnson, and tight end Pat Freiermuth, Harris will continue to be a cornerstone of Pittsburgh’s offense.

As the Steelers look to contend for another Super Bowl, Najee Harris is locked in and ready to contribute to the team’s pursuit of that elusive sixth Lombardi Trophy. Fans can expect more electrifying plays and game-changing moments from one of the league’s most exciting running backs.

With the future looking bright, the Steelers are poised to continue building their legacy in Pittsburgh.