PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan will not rule out the team extending running back Najee Harris despite turning down his fifth-year option in May. Speaking on 93.7 the Fan, Khan stated that turning down Harris’ option was a business decision, but nothing is out of the question for his future with the football team.
“It was a business decision that we had to make by I think it was May 2nd. Najee is awesome to have around here. We love him as a player and a person. Just because we didn’t pick up the option doesn’t exclude us from doing something with Najee for the long term,” Khan said. “I’d love to say he had a long career in Pittsburgh. He really represents us well on the field and off the field. It was just one of those things that we had to make a decision on. We just felt right now that was the right decision for everyone. I love Najee and would love to have him here long-term.”
Najee Harris is now set to hit the market a year earlier than he would have, which is not bad if you are a running back. With running backs such as Saquon Barkley being paid, Harris is next up, but the New England Patriots could be a team to watch, with Rhamondre Stevenson requiring a new contract this season. He could set the market for a realistic extension that Harris could receive.
Harris did not participate in mandatory minicamp and refused interview requests, stating he would talk to the media at training camp. So, it seems we will hear from his side in July when the Steelers reconvene after a six-week break in the NFL calendar.