Najee Harris, the Pittsburgh Steelers' star running back, is set to enter the final year of his contract with the team. With the 2023 season on the horizon, Harris's future has become a focal point for fans and analysts alike. The former Pro Bowler has been an instrumental figure for the Steelers, particularly in the last season, where he, alongside Jaylen Warren, amassed impressive stats. The duo combined for 1,819 rushing yards on 404 carries, delivered 12 touchdowns, and maintained an average of 4.5 yards per carry. Additionally, they caught a combined 90 passes for 520 yards, showcasing their versatility and value to the team.
Harris's efforts were particularly notable in the final stretch of the previous season. He rushed for 312 yards in the final three games, including a critical touchdown in Pittsburgh's playoff-clinching Week 18 victory over the Baltimore Ravens. This performance solidified his reputation as a clutch player capable of delivering when it matters most.
Offseason Revamp
The Steelers have been busy in the offseason, making strategic moves to bolster their roster. Most notably, they acquired quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Harris expressed his enthusiasm about the new additions, saying, "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." The acquisition of Wilson and Fields brings a significant upgrade in depth and versatility to the quarterback position, a crucial area for any team with championship aspirations.
Defensively, the Steelers made a significant splash by adding former Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Queen from the Ravens. Queen's arrival reinforces a defense known for its tenacity and will likely have an immediate impact. Moreover, the Steelers also look to their younger players to make a quick transition to the NFL. They drafted Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier, and Roman Wilson, all of whom are expected to contribute from day one.
High Hopes & Clear Expectations
The expectations for the Steelers are unequivocally high. Steelers' President Art Rooney II has expressed his confidence in head coach Mike Tomlin. "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.'" Under Tomlin's stewardship, the Steelers have not had a losing season since 2003. However, the team has not won a playoff game since 2016, a drought they are eager to end.
The narratives surrounding Harris's future add another layer of intrigue to the upcoming season. The Steelers' decision not to pick up Harris's fifth-year option means he is set to become a free agent next offseason. This development could significantly impact both the player's performance and the team's strategy moving forward.
Looking Ahead
With a revitalized roster and a clear mandate from the front office, the Steelers aim to return to their winning ways. The convergence of experienced veterans like Harris and new talent like their latest draft picks sets the stage for what could be a pivotal season. Whether Harris's contract situation will serve as a distraction or a motivator remains to be seen, but what's certain is that the Steelers are poised to make waves in the upcoming campaign.
As the offseason progresses and training camps begin, all eyes will be on Pittsburgh to see how these moves materialize on the field. With the blend of seasoned professionals and promising newcomers, the Steelers' prospects for the 2023 season look promising.