Steelers Reflect on a Strong 2024 Season
The Pittsburgh Steelers concluded their 2024 season with a commendable 10 wins, a testament to their resilience and talent. However, their playoff journey was cut short in the Wild Card round, where they faced a tough loss to the AFC North rival Baltimore Ravens, falling 28-14. This setback, while disappointing, has only fueled the team’s determination to make significant improvements for the upcoming season. As the offseason begins to unfold, the Steelers are faced with numerous roster decisions, particularly with over 25 players set to enter the free agency market next week. One of the most pivotal players among these is running back Najee Harris, whose future with the team remains uncertain.
Najee Harris: A Talented and Efficient Back
Najee Harris, now 26, has been a crucial component of the Steelers’ offense since being drafted in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft with the 24th overall pick. His journey began at the University of Alabama, where he achieved remarkable success, winning two national championships and earning All-SEC honors twice and All-American honors once during his four-year college career (2017-2020). Harris’s transition to the NFL was seamless, as he immediately took the reins as the Steelers’ starting running back and delivered a Pro Bowl performance in his rookie season. Over the past four years, he has consistently been a reliable and efficient runner, amassing over 1,000 yards in each season. His total of 4,312 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns, coupled with an average of 3.9 yards per carry, underscores his value and consistency.
moveTo Dallas: A Bold Prediction
FOX Sports’ Henry McKenna has made a bold prediction that Najee Harris will part ways with the Steelers and sign with the Dallas Cowboys. McKenna’s reasoning is rooted in the unpredictability of Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, known for his unconventional and sometimes surprising moves. While many expect Jones to draft Ashton Jeanty in the first round, McKenna suggests that Harris could be a more immediate and impactful addition. Harris’s style of play, which emphasizes power and efficiency rather than explosiveness, might remind fans of Ezekiel Elliott’s prime years. Despite the seeming peculiarity of paying Harris when he hasn’t paid star linebacker Micah Parsons, the Cowboys’ track record of unconventional decisions makes this possibility intriguing.
Evaluating Harris’s Impact
Pro Football Focus rated Harris with a 77.9 overall grade in 2024, placing him 14th among 47 qualified NFL running backs. His rushing grade of 78.3 (18th) highlights his strength and reliability on the ground, while his receiving grade of 58.5 (33rd) indicates areas for improvement in his passing game versatility. Harris’s consistent performance and ability to break through defenses make him a valuable asset, and his departure would certainly create a void in the Steelers’ offensive lineup. The Cowboys, who used Rico Dowdle as their starting running back last season, are also looking to upgrade this position. Dowdle is set to hit free agency, making Harris a potentially significant addition to their roster.
The Steelers’ Offense Without Harris
If Harris does indeed leave the Steelers, it will be a significant loss for the team’s offensive unit. Harris’s presence has been vital not only for his rushing capabilities but also for his role as a versatile weapon in the passing game. His 180 receptions for 1,149 yards and six touchdowns over the past four years speak to his importance in the team’s offensive schemes. However, the Steelers are not without resources. They have nearly $60 million in cap space, according to Over the Cap, and a first-round pick in the upcoming draft. These assets could be used to bring in a new running back who can fill the gap left by Harris, ensuring that the offense remains potent and dynamic.
Looking Forward: Future Roster Moves
The prediction of Harris moving to Dallas adds an interesting layer to the Steelers’ offseason strategy. While losing a cornerstone of their offense is a challenge, the team’s financial and draft flexibility provides them with options to rebuild and potentially enhance their roster. The Steelers are known for their disciplined approach to team-building and could use this opportunity to explore new talents and strategies. Meanwhile, the Cowboys’ decision to pursue Harris, if it comes to fruition, would mark a significant upgrade to their running game, providing the team with a powerful and reliable back to complement their other offensive stars. Both teams will be closely monitored as free agency and the draft approach, with the potential for dramatic changes that could shape the upcoming season.
