Najee Harris is gearing up for what could be his final season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, as he enters the last year of his contract. The former Pro Bowl running back had an impressive season last year, in tandem with Jaylen Warren. The duo amassed 1,819 rushing yards on 404 carries, averaging a solid 4.5 yards per carry. Their efforts were further highlighted by 12 touchdowns and 90 catches for 520 yards through the air.
Key Player Contributions
Harris's contribution to the Steelers was particularly crucial in the closing stages of the season. He rushed for an impressive 312 yards in the final three games, playing a vital role in securing the Steelers' playoff berth. Notably, his pivotal touchdown in Pittsburgh's Week 18 win against the Baltimore Ravens sealed their postseason entry. His performance underscored his value to the team, yet the Steelers have chosen not to pick up his fifth-year option, a decision that has stirred narratives around his future with the franchise.
Offseason Moves and Additions
The Steelers have been proactive in the offseason, strengthening their roster with notable acquisitions and draft picks. The headline moves include bringing in quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Harris expressed his optimism about these additions, stating, "Feeling good. We did good this offseason. Obviously, we picked up our two quarterbacks, so we're excited about it. We think we're going to have a lot of good things happening this year."
These new quarterbacks are expected to bring versatility and depth to the position, offering the Steelers more options and potentially catalyzing a more dynamic offensive strategy. Furthermore, the Steelers bolstered their defense by acquiring Patrick Queen, a former Pro Bowl linebacker from the Ravens. Queen's arrival is anticipated to add significant reinforcement to the Steelers' defensive unit.
Strengthening the Depth Chart
In addition to these high-profile acquisitions, the Steelers addressed key areas through the draft. They picked up Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier, and Roman Wilson, all of whom are expected to make immediate impacts. This infusion of young talent could be crucial as the Steelers aim to return to their winning ways. The franchise has not had a losing season since 2003, but their playoff success has been elusive, with their last postseason victory dating back to 2016.
Leadership and Expectations
Team president Art Rooney II has made the organization’s expectations for the upcoming seasons unequivocally clear. "Art Rooney II made expectations for 2024 clear by stating his confidence in Mike Tomlin's ability to 'guide the team back to winning playoff games and championships, while continuing our tradition of success.'" This confidence in head coach Mike Tomlin reinforces the high standards set by the franchise and places additional focus on an immediate turnaround in postseason performance.
Looking Ahead
As the Steelers prepare for the new season, all eyes will be on how these new additions gel with the existing squad and what impact Harris can have in what might be his swan song with Pittsburgh. Amid the looming uncertainty about his future, Harris remains a pivotal figure poised to leave a lasting impact, both with his on-field performance and leadership qualities. The upcoming season promises to be a pivotal chapter in the storied history of the Pittsburgh Steelers, one that fans and analysts alike will watch with keen interest.