Steelers can easily afford to re-sign Najee Harris—but should they?

For many teams in the NFL, free agency is a chance to transform from a bottom-of-the-barrel organization into a playoff threat—and potentially even a Super Bowl contender. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, the 2025 free agency period could see many familiar faces leave for greener pastures.

With a plethora of unsigned starters from the 2024 roster, the NFL’s salary cap increase to $60.53 million for the 2025 season couldn’t have come at a better time for Pittsburgh.

RB Najee Harris is one such potential free agent who can now be easily retained—but that doesn’t mean the Steelers should do so.

While it’s true that Harris has been great during his four years donning the Black and Gold—racking up four consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons—cheaper and more athletic options at running back are available in free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft.

Steelers RB1-B Jaylen Warren is also set to hit free agency and could arguably cost only a fraction of what a projected contract extension for Harris would require.

Ultimately, even with over $60 million to spend on free agents, bringing in star talent on both sides of the ball should take priority over Harris’ potential return.