Who Should I Start? Najee Harris or Jaylen Warren

Thursday, May 2, 4:07 PM

The Pittsburgh Steelers are declining running back Najee Harris' fifth-year option, according to NFL insider Ari Meirov. This is somewhat of a surprise, but the 2021 first-round selection has not lived up to the hype as a prospect or matched his rookie-year production. In 51 games over three seasons, Harris has rushed 834 times for 3,269 yards (3.9 YPC) and 22 touchdowns to go along with 144 receptions for 866 yards and six scores through the air. Picking up the option would've cost the Steelers just $6.79 million, but he is now set to potentially become a free agent next offseason. This could put Jaylen Warren in the clear RB1 role in 2025, but surely, the team will add to the position if they move on from Harris.

Monday, January 15, 11:47 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren handled eight carries for 38 yards and two receptions for 16 yards in the team's wild-card loss to the Buffalo Bills. Although Warren was more efficient than backfield mate Najee Harris, neither player made much of an impact on Monday. Pittsburgh struggled early on in the contest and was forced to throw after surrendering 21 quick points. Despite ending the season with disappointment, the 25-year-old enjoyed a breakout campaign in which he totaled over 1,000 yards from scrimmage and ranked third amongst all NFL running backs in yards per carry. He should retain a prominent role in the Steelers' offense along with Harris next season.