Najee Harris's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings
Player profile
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HT/WT6' 1'' , 242 lbs
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Birthdate03/09/1998 (26)
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CollegeAlabama
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Draft Info2021: Rd 1, Pk 24 (PIT)
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StatusActive
2024 season stats
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Rushing Attempts37 6th
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Rushing Yards139 14th
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Rushing Touchdowns0 28th
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Total DYAR-12 38th
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris handled three carries for nine yards and turned his lone target into a 16-yard reception in a preseason loss to the Houston Texans. Harris had his number called immediately on Friday with a screen pass from quarterback Justin Fields on Pittsburgh's first play from scrimmage. As expected, he split reps with the first-team offense fairly evenly with backfield mate Jaylen Warren. Harris, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract, reportedly dropped weight this offseason and looked explosive throughout training camp. He'll look to be a focal point early again next week against the Buffalo Bills.
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris spoke to the media on Wednesday for the first time since the team declined his fifth-year option in the spring. Harris said he wants to remain in Pittsburgh on a long-term basis but noted that it's "a business" and isn't fretting about the future. In three seasons with the Steelers, Harris has exceeded the 1,000-yard rushing mark in each year, but he's averaged 3.9 yards per attempt on 834 carries over his career. The 26-year-old is set to split carries with the more explosive Jaylen Warren in 2024, but new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is likely going to ride Harris in early-down spots and goal-line situations. Harris is shaping up as a solid RB2 bet in the middle rounds fantasy drafts as the starter in a run-centric offense with improved quarterback play.
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris, who had his fifth-year option declined by the team last month, attended mandatory minicamp this week but didn't participate at all. Harris also declined every interview request and hasn't done interviews since January. He said he'd talk to the media next month at training camp. Harris isn't believed to be dealing with an injury this offseason, and head coach Mike Tomlin downplayed the fact that the RB didn't take part in minicamp workouts this week. In a contract year now, the 26-year-old has slimmed down as he looks to show out before hitting the free-agent market next March. The former first-rounder will probably never be as productive as he was in his rookie campaign in 2021, but he's been durable and reliable in Pittsburgh's backfield. Jaylen Warren's emergence has capped Harris' fantasy upside, although the Steelers should remain heavily committed to the run in 2024 under new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris changed his diet this offseason in an effort to slim down. "He's motivated, to say the least," his offseason trainer Josh Scott said. It makes sense for Harris, who had his fifth-year option declined by the Steelers recently. "It's all fueling his fire to have an even better season than last year and prove a lot of people wrong," Scott said. The former first-rounder in 2021, who is listed at 242 pounds on the team's roster, looks closer to his listed college weight of 230. Harris has been eating a lot of fish and vegetables and has avoided processed foods. "He's looking really, really springy; really, really light off the ground; and more agile," Scott said. Harris averaged less than 4.0 yards per carry in his first two NFL seasons but has gone over 1,000 yards rushing in all three of his campaigns. He had a career-high eight rushing TDs in 2023, but his fantasy ceiling could be capped as an RB2 with Jaylen Warren commanding his share of backfield touches.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are declining running back Najee Harris' fifth-year option, according to NFL insider Ari Meirov. This is somewhat of a surprise, but the 2021 first-round selection has not lived up to the hype as a prospect or matched his rookie-year production. In 51 games over three seasons, Harris has rushed 834 times for 3,269 yards (3.9 YPC) and 22 touchdowns to go along with 144 receptions for 866 yards and six scores through the air. Picking up the option would've cost the Steelers just $6.79 million, but he is now set to potentially become a free agent next offseason. This could put Jaylen Warren in the clear RB1 role in 2025, but surely, the team will add to the position if they move on from Harris.