Omar Khan believes Steelers still could sign Najee Harris to long-term contract

The Steelers didn’t pick up Najee Harris‘ fifth-year option last month. But Pittsburgh general manager Omar Khan said don’t read much into the “business” decision.

The GM said sides could still reach a long-term agreement. This comment came during an interview earlier this week with Pittsburgh station 93.7 The Fan.

“It was a business decision that we had to make by, I think, May 2,” Khan said in the interview. “But Najee’s awesome to have around here. Love Najee as a player and a person. And just because we didn’t pick it up, that doesn’t exclude us from doing something with Najee for the long term.”

The Steelers GM added: “I’d love to say Najee was here and had a long career in Pittsburgh. He really represents us well on the field and off the field. But it was one of those things we had to make a decision on. We just felt right now it was the right decision for everyone. But I love Najee and I would love to have him here long term.”

Back on May 2, the Steelers declined to pick up the fifth-year option for their first-round NFL Draft pick in 2021. All rookies sign a four-year contract. However, first-rounders also have a fifth-year option. The payout is based on a formula. In this case, Pittsburgh said no to a contract in 2025 that would’ve paid Harris $6.65 million.

If no long-term deal is reached, it means Harris will be a free-agent after this season. Khan said he called Harris to deliver the financial news. The Steelers GM wouldn’t reveal exactly what he said to Harris during the call. But the message was clear, he said.

“He knows that just because we’re going into this with one year left, that doesn’t prevent us from doing business with him long-term,” Khan said.

Harris and running mate Jaylen Warren were the most consistent parts of the Steelers offense last season. Pittsburgh selected Harris, the former Alabama star, with the 24th pick of the 2021 draft. So far, he’s lived up to expectations. Harris has rushed for 1,000 yards or more each season. He surpassed 1,000 yards in the final game of 2023 on a chilly, wet day in Baltimore to help the Steelers clinch a playoff spot.

Harris’ 1,035 yards ranked seventh in the NFL. His final two regular-season games were his best. He rushed for 112 yards against the Ravens. And he ran for 122 against the Seahawks.

He also became the first Pittsburgh running back to gain at least 1,000 yards for his first three years with the team.

The Steelers running back worked out in Texas during the off season. Josh Scott of JRS Performance in Houston said that Harris lost about seven pounds, possibly more, for what could be his final season in Pittsburgh.