Steelers GM Omar Khan: Declining Najee Harris’ fifth-year option ‘a business decision’

The running back position isn’t one in which teams are readily investing beyond rookie contracts and short-term deals, either, adding logic to the decision.

When the deadline approached and Pittsburgh didn’t jump at the opportunity to lock Harris into another year, it wasn’t a surprise. But it did raise the stakes for 2024, months before the season kicks off.

Given the chance to question Khan on his decision, the folks at 93.7 The Fan understandably capitalized. Harris, meanwhile, is avoiding the topic altogether, declining to participate in interviews during minicamp and promising to speak with reporters during training camp.

It’s a smart move for Harris, who knows his best response can only be delivered on the field. With former Falcons head coach Arthur Smith now in charge of the offense, Harris should find himself in his best situation since he arrived in Pittsburgh.

If that happens, the Steelers might feel inspired to retain Harris via a new deal. Perhaps by then, they might have also surrendered some leverage at the negotiating table.

As of now, it’s a risk they’re willing to take. If history tells us anything, the wait-and-see approach is usually the wisest.