A bold trade proposal has the Pittsburgh Steelers dealing star running back Najee Harris to an interesting NFC team in a move that could shake up the 2024 NFL postseason race.
Despite three straight 1,000-yard seasons, the Steelers declined Najee Harris’ fifth-year option. That’s a strong indicator that they’re prepared to let him go in 2025 free agency rather than pay Harris a top-of-the-market price for a star running back.
On top of that, the Steelers have a capable replacement for Harris in Jaylen Warren, who’s coming off a superb sophomore season (784 rushing yards, four touchdowns and 1,154 total yards of offense).
So one can argue that the Steelers would be better off trading Harris now rather than lose him for nothing in free agency, especially if they’re confident in Warren’s ability to emerge as the RB1.
Bleacher Report’s Ryan Fowler proposed a blockbuster trade idea that has the Steelers sending Najee Harris to the RB-needy New York Giants in exchange for 2025 sixth and 2026 fourth-round draft picks:
“Optimism remains for Harris as known running back guru Arthur Smith enters his first season as Pittsburgh’s OC. But with Warren’s consistent annual uptick in production and the teams comfortability with not picking up Harris’ option, tea leaves have begun to spawn towards Harris’ departure.
The Giants already roster three former Steelers in Allen Robinson, Gunner Olszewski and Miles Boykin, a nod towards (GM Joe) Schoen’s likeness of Steelers skill players. A move would benefit both sides, allowing Jaylen Warren to take over Pittsburgh’s backfield and Harris to get a fresh start, in a different conference, alongside (Devin) Singletary.”
A Najee Harris appreciation post #steelers pic.twitter.com/3F1Bo09Ung
— Matthew Luciow (@matthewluciow92) June 29, 2024
The Giants lost star running back Saquon Barkley, who signed with the archrival New York Giants in free agency. Their projected RB1, Devin Singletary, is a capable playmaker who’s exceeded 800 yards rushing in three straight years.
But if a star running back like Harris is available for the right price (and they don’t cost much on the trade market these days), don’t be surprised if Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll eye an RB upgrade to bolster their offense.
Najee Harris Makes Perfect Sense For Giants
Harris has performed like a top 10 running back since his 2021 rookie year, with three straight 1K seasons under his belt. Suddenly, a Giants offense with Harris and Malik Nabers would put Daniel Jones in a good position to perform during a make-or-break season.
The Giants’ o-line has its issues, but if Barkley could consistently perform like a superstar there, then Harris should have no problem pushing for 1,000-plus rushing yards again.
