As the NFL season approaches, the Pittsburgh Steelers are poised to rely heavily on running back Najee Harris, according to ESPN’s Dan Graziano. Graziano forecasts that Harris could accumulate 1,500 yards from scrimmage this season, a prediction that might surprise some, given the uncertainty surrounding his future with the team.
Graziano notes that despite the Steelers declining Harris’ fifth-year option for 2025, they remain committed to evaluating his performance under first-year offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s system before making long-term decisions.
“There’s a feeling in the building that Smith’s offence is well-suited to Harris’ skills,” Graziano writes, “and with big-time question marks at quarterback and wide receiver, I expect the Steelers to lean on their running game a lot.” With Jaylen Warren, Harris’ primary rival, already missing camp due to a hamstring ailment, Harris may have an easier time taking centre stage in Pittsburgh’s offence.
Harris has established himself as a flexible threat in the backfield by surpassing 1,000 running yards in each of his first three NFL seasons and recording 74 receptions for 467 yards in his debut year of 2021. The Steelers’ offence raises more questions despite Harris’ possible breakthrough. Sports is ranking the team’s skill-position group 25th.
Sports Illustrated’s Matt Verderame ranks the team’s skill-position group 25th, emphasising the uncertainty surrounding the receiving corps following Diontae Johnson’s exit. After receiving 63 passes for 1,140 yards and five scores in 2023, George Pickens continues to be the Steelers’ key weapon. The team had been looking to Brandon Aiyuk to fill the vacancy, but it didn’t work out.
