Steelers GM Discusses Najee Harris and Cam Heyward Contracts, Looks Ahead with Both Players

 

Pittsburgh Steelers' GM Omar Khan Discusses Future with Najee Harris and Cam Heyward as Contracts Near End

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris and defensive end Cam Heyward are nearing the end of their contracts, but general manager Omar Khan envisions a future with both players.

"Cam's got a lot of football ahead of him still. I expect him to be here for years to come," Khan told reporters on Thursday.

Heyward, a six-time Pro Bowler and 13-year NFL veteran with the Steelers, will earn $16 million in 2024. The 35-year-old missed six games last season, only the second time in his career he's played fewer than 15 games.

Harris, known for his durability, has played in all 17 games and surpassed 1,000 rushing yards in each of his first three NFL seasons. Despite this, the Steelers declined his fifth-year option, making him an unrestricted free agent after this season. Khan emphasized the team's high regard for Harris.

"We think the world of Najee. I still see a future with him," Khan said.

The declined fifth-year option would have guaranteed Harris $6.8 million in the 2025 season, a figure ranking 13th among running backs and considered modest in terms of the salary cap.

However, the emergence of Jaylen Warren as a more effective per-down back likely influenced the Steelers' decision. The only potential downside is if Harris has a breakout season and becomes a true game-changer.

Related Queries:

Najee Harris