Running back Najee Harris is facing a crucial season when it comes to the future of his career after the Pittsburgh Steelers declined his fifth-year option earlier this offseason, putting him on track to hit free agency in 2025.
The reason behind the Steelers declining the option isn't exactly clear. Granted, he hasn't lived up to the hype he created after an impressive rookie season, but there's also a rumor out there that he asked the Steelers to decline the option so he can go elsewhere next year.
“Little birdie said Najee Harris actually asked for the Steelers to decline his fifth-year option because he would like to go play somewhere else,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Paul Zeise reported in May.
However, Harris' agent has since come out and denied that was the case.
Hey @PaulZeise your “little birdie” source is a joke- next time do your homework and find a real source- not true- @PittsburghPG
— Doug Hendrickson (@DHendrickson41) May 9, 2024
Whatever the case may be, Harris had no interest in answering questions about that or anything upon arriving at Steelers training camp on Wednesday, choosing to cut across the grass to go around the media instead of using the stairs on his way inside the building. He didn't so much as look at reporters, either.
Najee is here #Steelers pic.twitter.com/kqs3aBGgx6
— 93.7 The Fan (@937theFan) July 24, 2024
Harris did end up speaking words to the media afterwards and addressed his fifth-year option being declined. He said he was "disappointed" at first but has moved on and is focused on 2024.
Najee Harris’ first comments to media since January pic.twitter.com/3WcJSbP6BL
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) July 24, 2024
After arriving on Wednesday, Steelers players are expected to take the field for the first practice of training camp on Thursday. Check out Pittsburgh's entire training camp schedule right here.
