Hall of Fame S Donnie Shell was a feared defender with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and not just because he had 51 career interceptions. Wide receivers feared being near him as his physical play earned him the nickname “The Torpedo”. WR Lynn Swann saw up close in practice just how hard Shell hit when he knocked […]

Originally appeared at Steelers Now: Steelers Offense Has Massive List of Free Agents in 2025

The Pittsburgh Steelers declining Najee Harris’ fifth-year option was a mild surprise. By doing so, Harris will become a free agent at the end of the 2024 season, but he adds a long list of free agents on Pittsburgh’s offense for the 2025 offseason. Harris’ running mate, Jaylen Warren, is scheduled to be a restricted free agent. Pittsburgh will have the right of first refusal with Warren, which means they will have to pay him significantly more in 2025.

But it goes beyond the running...

The Pittsburgh Steelers made the somewhat shocking decision to decline RB Najee Harris’ fifth-year option in the final minutes before the deadline came to pass on Thursday afternoon. Reports from Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac indicate that they want to evaluate how the running backs do in offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s system prior to committing to […]

Welcome back to the latest episode of The Terrible Take. Think of it as a super-mini version of The Terrible Podcast. A short, 1-3 minute episode seven days a week, every weekday at 5 PM/EST, with Alex Kozora, Dave Bryan, Josh Carney, Ross McCorkle, Melanie Friedlander, and Joe Clark telling you what’s on our minds. […]

The Pittsburgh Steelers surprised many by declining RB Najee Harris’ fifth-year option today. But former NFL GM Mike Tannebaum thinks it was the right move. Reacting to the news on NFL Live Thursday afternoon, Tannebaum said Harris isn’t worth the money. “Najee Harris is a good player, but he’s not worth $7 million in fully […]

Originally appeared at Steelers Now: Steelers Afternoon Drive: Instant Reaction to Steelers Declining Najee’s 5th-Year Option

Welcome to the Steelers Afternoon Drive, our new daily podcast featuring all the latest Steelers news and analysis.

Nick Farabaugh and Zachary Smith are back to discuss all things Pittsburgh Steelers. On today’s episode we discuss the team declining Najee Harris’ and Justin Fields’ 5th-year options. What does this mean for the future of the RB room and offense in general which has a ton of potential turnover following 2024? Let’s go for another Steelers Afternoon Drive and discuss!

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It seemed like a foregone conclusion — until it wasn’t. The news that the Pittsburgh Steelers declined running back Najee Harris’ fifth-year option was rather eye-opening for many on Thursday afternoon, as the Steelers didn’t pick up the $6.79 million option in 2025, putting Harris in a contract year. Concerns abound following the decision, but […]

Originally appeared at Steelers Now: Roman Wilson Reveals Why He Loves to Block

When the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Roman Wilson, he earned all sorts of comparisons. He compared himself to one of Russell Wilson’s top targets, Tyler Lockett. But the comparison that Tony Pauline heard the Steelers view Wilson through is much more ambitious. According to Pauline, Wilson is viewed through a ‘Hines Ward lens’ within the Steelers organization as a tough player who wins between the numbers.

Wilson isn’t the biggest or most polished route-runner, but does play with a chip on his shoulder and isn’t afraid to get...

Originally appeared at Steelers Now: Steelers Turn Down 5th Year Option for Justin Fields

The Pittsburgh Steelers are turning down the fifth-year option of quarterback Justin Fields, it was announced on Thursday. Adam Schefter of ESPN had previously reported they were not going to do that.

General manager Omar Khan was asked about the fifth-year options of both Fields and running back Najee Harris before the NFL Draft and was noncommittal about the team’s decision.

“We have until May 2nd to make that decision,” Khan said. “I am sure we will have some serious conversation about that next week.”

The...

Though it comes as little surprise, the Pittsburgh Steelers will not be picking up QB Justin Fields’ fifth-year option. Acquired from the Chicago Bears in March, Fields’ rookie deal is currently set to expire after the 2024 season. The Athletic’s Mark Kaboly reported the news moments ago. Steelers don't pick up Najee Harris or Justin […]

In a stunning move, the Pittsburgh Steelers have declined the fifth-year option of running back Najee Harris, according to multiple reports. If it had been exercised, Harris would’ve been owed just $6.79 million for 2025, which seemed like a bargain given how Harris started his career.

Harris topped 1,000 rushing yards in his first three NFL seasons. He did it while dealing with multiple issues, questionable offensive line and quarterback play, and Matt Canada as an offensive coordinator.

With the new offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith, Harris’s role in the offense could be expanded even further, along with that of teammate...

The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially declined the fifth-year option for running back Najee Harris ahead of Thursday’s deadline, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. The fifth-year option would have paid Harris $6.79 million in the 2025 season, but instead, he’s now set to hit free agency in 2025 barring an extension (or franchise tag, though that possibility is unlikely).

Harris was selected with the 24th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and has been a cornerstone of the offense ever since, which made the option pickup a “no-brainer” for most. However, Steelers GM Omar Khan gave no real...