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Mike Tomlin’s priorities for the Pittsburgh Steelers appear misaligned with what many see as the team’s most pressing need — finding a new franchise quarterback. Instead, the veteran head coach is prioritizing the retention of running back Najee Harris.
According to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writer Gerry Dulac, Harris will “likely stay with the team” if Tomlin gets his way. This comes despite Harris’s modest performance metrics — he’s averaged just four yards per carry while reaching 1,000 yards in each of his four seasons.
The timing couldn’t be more critical for Pittsburgh’s quarterback situation.
Both Justin Fields and Russell Wilson are headed to free agency, leaving the Steelers without a clear starter for 2025. The team could pursue Sam Darnold if Minnesota doesn’t re-sign him, though he’s far from a guaranteed upgrade. A more ambitious move — like trading for Matthew Stafford — would require significant draft capital and salary cap space.
Harris has been reliable, if unspectacular, reaching the 1,000-yard mark consistently. But his production comes more from volume than explosiveness, and similar running backs will be available through free agency and the draft at lower costs.
While retaining Harris on a team-friendly deal might make sense, Tomlin’s strong advocacy could force the front office to overpay. Every dollar committed to an average running back is one less available to address their quarterback situation — a far more pressing concern for a franchise with championship aspirations.
The market is filled with running backs offering comparable production to Harris. What’s harder to find is a quarterback capable of leading Pittsburgh back to genuine playoff contention.
