Steelers give up a lot on offense for little value

Most transfer rumors have the Steelers adding talent to their roster rather than subtracting it. Many players have expiring contracts at the start of this season, but that can still change between now and the start of free agency next year. Some players are more likely to be brought back by Pittsburgh than others. It will be interesting to see who the Black and Gold feel needs to sign a contract extension in training camp and who they think can wait.

When a player’s fifth-year option is declined, it usually spells disaster for the future relationship between team and player.

Najee Harris was the Steelers’ first-round pick in 2021. He has been a workhorse and has never been sidelined by injuries. Harris’s problems are that he never became an explosive running back. He is a tough runner who can handle short-yardage situations. He has developed into a solid running back in pass defense and catches passes out of the backfield.

With Jayen Warren proving to be a fair match at the position, it seems like Harris will be entering his final season in Pittsburgh. According to Ryan Fowler of Bleacher Report, it could make sense for both sides to try a trade. There’s no reason for the Steelers to trade him now unless a solid offer comes along.

According to Fowler’s recent article, it might make sense for the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers to have trade talks regarding Harris.

New York needs a top running back after losing Saquon Barkley in free agency. A trade would likely result in a contract extension soon after, so the Giants have to keep that in mind. They signed a few players at the position in the offseason who could help Harris by forming a duo like he used to in Pittsburgh over the past few years.

“The team signed Devin Singletary via free agency, Eric Gray is in year two, and Schoen also added depth by selecting Tyrone Tracy Jr. in the fifth round this spring. However, Saquon Barkley is no longer around, and it would be wise for the Giants’ GM to continue to look for talent in every avenue, especially if the Giants want to remain competitive in 2024.”

Looking at the Steelers side of things, there’s little point in trading Harris. Yes, you get a few draft picks instead of losing him for nothing next year. However, keep in mind that the Steelers seem to be trying to go all out, so trading Harris doesn’t make sense right now.

“Considering the Steelers declined Harris’ fifth-year option, a move sooner rather than later would give Pittsburgh a chance to return, even if it’s a late-round or compensatory pick,” Fowler wrote.

Just not a good trade proposition for Pittsburgh in this case. They get two picks in the next two drafts, which isn’t bad. They just need as much talent as possible on their team this year. Harris will likely be a free agent next year, but Pittsburgh could use him this season. Since Arthur Smith’s system is built around the running game, they need two talented running backs.

Not the worst trade value for the Steelers if they wanted to trade Harris before the season, but it just doesn’t make sense for them. Maybe they could reconsider before the trade deadline?

Grade: D+