For whatever reason, it appeared to be a foregone conclusion that the Pittsburgh Steelers and Najee Harris would go their separate ways after the 2024 season. While Harris could indeed depart via free agency, there is still a chance that the former Pro Bowl running back will remain in Pittsburgh, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

The Post-Gazette has reported that the Steelers met with Harris’ representation during the NFL Scouting Combine. They also recently indicated that the Steelers would likely offer Harris a two- or three-year deal prior to the start of free agency, paying him between $7 million to $10 million annually.

Pittsburgh declined Harris’ fifth-year option last spring, which probably contributed to the perception of his impending departure. However, indications suggest that the Steelers aim to make him an offer before free agency starts, leaving the decision up to Harris on whether to extend or test the waters.

“Najee has had an awesome four years here,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said last month. “Rest assured, we’ve had a good experience with him, and obviously the consistency of his performance in terms of producing four straight 1,000-yard seasons speaks for itself.”

Steelers president Art Rooney II has also commented on Harris’ future, suggesting that there are intentions to retain him: “Look, Najee is a good player, and we’ll evaluate whether we can bring him back. He’s going to have choices, too. It’s a position that is important to us, and some other successful teams may view it the same way.”

Regardless of Harris’s decision, the Steelers plan to tender Jaylen Warren, who has emerged as a solid contributor over the past three years after going undrafted in 2022.