Steelers Now
Najee Harris joined the Get Got Pod and discussed his conversation with head coach Mike Tomlin ahead of 2025 free agency.
The Pittsburgh Steelers saw their leading rusher, Najee Harris, depart for free agency in 2025. The deal he signed ultimately proved not to be as strong as some had anticipated, as the market wasn’t there. Before he hit free agency, Harris discussed the future with head coach Mike Tomlin, who gave him advice.
Harris joined Marshawn Lynch’s “Get Got Pod” podcast and discussed a multitude of topics. Among those, they discussed Harris’ conversation with Tomlin ahead of the 2025 free agency period.
Harris’ contract was set to expire, and he had free rein to go where the offers were. However, it wasn’t going to be Pittsburgh.
“We was chopping it up … about random stuff,” Harris started to describe their conversation. “Then we was like, alright, gotta talk business now.”
Harris then asked Tomlin what the plan was or what he should do regarding a contract with the Steelers. Tomlin gave him some fatherly advice.
“He was like, ‘if you was my son, I would tell not to come back here,’” Harris told the podcast. “I was like, alright bet. I wasn’t no hard feelings or nothing like that.”
Though Harris could have returned to Pittsburgh, Tomlin’s transparency made it clear it wasn’t the best option. Harris’ play style didn’t align with Arthur Smith’s offense, and Pittsburgh probably wasn’t going to offer a strong contract.
Harris, of course, signed with the Los Angeles Chargers. His time there was met with huge adversity. After a fireworks incident during the summer, he suffered a season-ending injury early in the year.
Harris will again be a free agent and hopefully will be healthy enough to get another opportunity. One thing that will be missed, however, is Tomlin’s ability to communicate with his players. Not only from a competitive standpoint, but letting them know what’s best for them as well.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Najee Harris Reveals Conversation with Mike Tomlin Ahead of 2025 Free Agency
