Reports: Steelers decline RB Najee Harris' fifth-year option

The Pittsburgh Steelers have declined to pick up the fifth-year team option for running back Najee Harris in 2025, according to multiple media reports Thursday.

Harris, 26, was projected to cost the team $6.7 million in guaranteed money. A Pro Bowl selection as a rookie in 2021, he is the first player in Steelers history to rush for 1,000 yards in each of his first three seasons.

Thursday was the deadline for teams to exercise fifth-year options for first-round draft picks in 2021. As expected, Pittsburgh also declined the option for quarterback Justin Fields -- obtained in an offseason trade from the Chicago Bears -- that would have paid him a guaranteed $25 million in 2025.

The Steelers could be waiting to see how Harris plays in new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's offense while being open to working a new contract, according to an NFL Network report. His original rookie contract is worth $13 million over four years, including $2.4 million in 2024.

The 24th overall pick out of Alabama in 2021, Harris has started all 51 games he's played and rushed 834 times for 3,269 yards and 22 touchdowns. He also has 144 receptions for 866 yards and six TDs.

Last season, Harris had a career-low 255 attempts for 1,035 yards, making for a career-best 4.1 yards per carry. He played a career-low 53 percent of offensive snaps in 2023, compared to 84 percent when he made the NFL All-Rookie Team in 2021.