Steelers have hours to make Najee Harris’ 5th-year option decision

The Steelers have hours to decide on Harris’, Justin Fields’ 2025 options.

Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan has a flair for the dramatic this offseason. May 2 — today — is the NFL’s fifth-year option deadline. And the Steelers have yet to announce their decision on whether or not to exercise it on two players on their roster.

The first is backup quarterback Justin Fields, whose option would cost the Steelers approximately $25 million in 2025. Reports are that Pittsburgh will decline it, to no one’s surprise, letting Fields play out his contract in 2024 with the option of letting him hit free agency or trying to agree to an incentive-laden extension sometime in the next year.

The elephant in the room is Najee Harris, the Steelers’ former first-round running back, whose option in 2025 will be much more affordable, around $7 million. Although Harris hasn’t been the most dynamic during his time with Pittsburgh, there’s no denying he’s been a consistent offensive presence, logging three straight 1,000-plus yard seasons to start his NFL career alongside 22 career rushing touchdowns.

He’s also shown the ability to stay healthy and avoid fumbles.

At well under $10 million in 2025, keeping Harris around in 2025 seems like it could be a smart decision for the front office. However, the Steelers will have to make their decision by the end of the day.