Steelers TE Pat Freiermuth makes feelings clear on Najee Harris as RB nears end of $13,047,447 contract

Najee Harris entered the 2024 NFL season in the final year of his current contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The franchise declined to pick up his fifth-year option last offseason, which has put his future with the team in jeopardy. He is scheduled to become a free agent, but some of his teammates want him to sign a new deal.

One of those is tight end Pat Freiermuth, who addressed the situation with the media. He spoke in the Steelers' locker room following their defeat to the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs:

"Love seeing him in black and gold. He's one of my best friends on the team. That's what's upsetting, maybe not being able to be with a guy like that, that I've been with for four years, and trying to make the city proud by winning a playoff game and winning a Super Bowl and stuff.

"We weren't able to get it done, but hopefully he'll be back here with me and all the guys."

Najee Harris has made three appearances in the playoffs during his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers so far. He has unfortunately lost all three and his numbers have struggled as well. He has averaged fewer than three yards per carry and 28 yards per game in the postseason, while being held without a single touchdown.

His playoff struggles may have played a role in the Steelers declining his fifth-year option, as well as his contract situation and their depth at running back. His $13.047 million contract included a $4.2 million cap hit this season, which would have gone up to $6.8 million next year. They apparently didn't think he was worth the investment, especially with another option already on their roster.

Who will potentially replace Najee Harris for the Steelers in 2025?

Najee Harris (image credit: Getty)

If the Pittsburgh Steelers do in fact decide to move on from Najee Harris during the 2025 NFL offseason by not offering him a new contract, Jaylen Warren is the most likely candidate to take over as their starting running back. He has spent all three seasons of his NFL career with the franchise and has averaged a solid 53.5 scrimmage yards per game.

It's important to note that the Steelers are thin at running back behind Warren, so if they do part ways with Harris, they will likely need to add help. They can potentially do so in the 2025 NFL draft, the free agency period, or the trade market.