Most trade rumors have the Steelers adding talent to their roster rather than subtracting it. There are many players on expiring deals heading into this season, but that could always change between now and the start of free agency next year. Some players are more likely to be re-signed by Pittsburgh than others. It will be interesting to see who the black and gold feel necessary to sign an extension at training camp, and those they think can wait.
When a player's fifth-year option is declined, normally that spells disaster for the future relationship between the team and player.
Najee Harris was the first-round pick of the Steelers back in 2021. He has been a workhorse and never missed time due to injury. Issues with Harris arise from him never becoming an explosive back. He is a tough runner who can pick up short-yardage situations. He has become a solid running back in pass protection and catches passes out of the backfield.
With Jayen Warren emerging as a fair partner at the position, it seems like Harris could be entering his final season in Pittsburgh. According to Ryan Fowler of Bleacher Report, it might make sense for both sides to try and find a trade. There is no reason for the Steelers to move him now unless a solid offer popped up.
Grade the Trade: Steelers ship away Najee Harris to New York
According to Fowler's recent article, it might make sense for both the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers to have trade conversations surrounding Harris.
New York needs a top running back after losing Saquon Barkley in free agency. A trade would likely result in an extension soon after, so the Giants would have to keep that in mind. They did add some players to the position this offseason who could help Harris by creating a duo like he has been used to in Pittsburgh over the past couple of years.
"The team added Devin Singletary via free agency, Eric Gray is in year two and Schoen also added depth by selecting Tyrone Tracy Jr in the fifth round this spring. However, there is no more Saquon Barkley, and continuing to explore talent via all avenues would be wise of the Giants' GM. Especially if the Giants want to remain competitive in 2024."
When you consider the Steeler's side of things, it makes little sense to trade away Harris. Yes, you get some draft picks instead of losing him for nothing next year. Keep in mind though, the Steelers seem to be trying to go all-in, so moving Harris right now makes no sense.
"Considering the Steelers declined Harris' fifth-year option, a move sooner rather than later would present Pittsburgh with some remanence of a return, even if it's a late-round or compensatory selection," wrote Fowler.
Just not a great trade proposal for Pittsburgh in this instance. They get two picks over the next two drafts, which isn't bad. They just need as much talent on their team this year as possible. Harris will likely leave in free agency next year, but Pittsburgh could use him this season. With Arthur Smith's system dependent on the run game, they need two talented running backs.
Not the worst trade value for the Steelers if they wanted to move Harris before the season, but it just doesn't make sense on their part. Maybe it could be revisited before the trade deadline?
Grade: D+