While the door isn't shut on Najee Harris returning to the Steelers next season, all signs support his departure. Unless he struggles to find a market, it is hard to envision Pittsburgh re-signing Harris at his rumored asking price. If Omar Khan buckled in negotiations and accepted a deal to Harris's liking, it would be one of the biggest mistakes in free agency history.
Harris might be a solid starter in the NFL, but there are better options. Not only could Mike Tomlin want a running back in free agency, but the draft has endless talent. There are too many avenues for the Steelers to make an argument for re-signing Harris. Even if he would return for cheap, it would make no sense.
Enough options are available this offseason for the Steelers to upgrade at running back.
Ranking the top running backs the Pittsburgh Steelers could sign in free agency
Aaron Jones, Minnesota Vikings
Aaron Jones could be a perfect target in free agency if the Steelers want a tandem in the backfield. Signing a veteran player like Jones could also keep the door ajar on taking a running back in the upcoming draft. According to contract projections, many believe this free agent will ink a one-year deal worth $5.6 million.
The eight-year veteran will be heading into the upcoming campaign at 30. That isn't too bad on a short-term deal. Add that Jones proved he is not slowing down this past season, and it seems like a nice bet for Pittsburgh. He could be a short-term fix at the running back position while a rookie earns his stripes. Jones would be a perfect weapon for their offense.
Javonte Williams, Denver Broncos
If they let Harris leave in free agency, it doesn't make sense to turn around and pay Javonte Williams.
Harris should sign a three-year deal worth seven and ten million per season on his next contract. Williams would be cheaper, and he is the youngest of the two options. The former North Carolina product will be 25 before the start of the campaign. Signing a young running back to his projected three-year deal worth $20.57 million would be bold.
Pittsburgh expressed plenty of pre-draft interest in Williams when he was leaving college. They decided to go with Harris in the first round, but they could alter course when determining between the two. If you are willing to pay a running back a decent contract, you should go after Williams, who has a better upside than Harris, who you already know.
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J.K. Dobbins, Los Angeles Chargers
Arthur Smith will coordinate the Steeler's offense again during the 2025 season, and he needs quality running backs. His system relies on a good rushing game to balance his passing attack. Pittsburgh could always resort to quantity over quality this offseason. Signing a free agent like J.K. Dobbins could be a perfect boom-or-bust candidate to pair with Jaylen Warren.
Dobbins has grown familiar with Mike Tomlin since he got into the NFL. The injury-prone running back is coming off his best season yet, but his injury concerns have tanked his value. He hasn't been healthy for an entire year during his career. Experts believe Dobbins will sign a two-year deal worth around $4.1 million annually.
This move would be a perfect contract for the Steelers to cut if he gets injured.
Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns
Rumors are swirling that the Steelers are interested in Nick Chubb during free agency. It is a shame the former star running back has his career falling apart in front of his eyes. He suffered a cataclysmic injury against Pittsburgh and has struggled to come back to form. Signing a free agent like Chubb would not guarantee any answers at the position.
If Tomlin decides to bank his ground game on an aging back struggling to return to form, he would be crazy. Bringing Chubb into the building and drafting another running back early would be palatable. Pittsburgh wouldn't sign the seven-year veteran to a large deal as he should get a one-year contract worth $3.3 million. His career might just be about over.