Steelers players are reporting to training camp as we speak, and for the most part, it is a great time to catch a few words and see some smiling faces before the grueling practices start. That wasn’t the case for Najee Harris though, as he seemed frustrated upon his arrival.
Instead of walking along the sidewalk and down the stairs to the dorms, he avoided all contact with the media and walked through the grass instead.
Najee Harris just arrived and decided not to take the steps into the dorm @KDKA pic.twitter.com/Jio0LlxTuU
— Rich Walsh KDKA (@RichieWalsh) July 24, 2024
Najee Harris when asked to talk: "I have a meeting."
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) July 24, 2024
Maybe he will and maybe he won't talk today.
Harris later returned to speak to the media but expressed his frustration about the Steelers not picking up his fifth-year option.
Najee Harris just finished his first interview since last season ended and said the Steelers told him they didn’t pick up his fifth-year option because they aren’t sure where the offense is headed. He was disappointed for a day or two, he added, but “keep it pushin’” pic.twitter.com/9iBypNxYSq
— Brian Batko (@BrianBatko) July 24, 2024
It seems pretty clear why he is upset. With Pittsburgh's decision not to pick up his fifth-year option this year, the odds of a contract extension seem slim. Based on his attitude upon arrival, contract talks don’t seem to be making any progress either.
Will Najee Harris hold in at Steelers training camp?
In what has become a staple for players in a contract year, Harris may decide to hold in at camp. This means that while he is present, he isn’t actively practicing or participating with the team. This way, the Steelers can’t fine him as they normally could if he didn’t show up to camp at all.
Though Harris has never been a big talker, he is usually a pretty laid-back character. Seeing him meander into training camp this way is telling. He clearly isn’t happy with how the team views him, and he rightfully wants an extension.
While we will learn more once practices get underway, it seems almost certain that Harris opts to sit on the sidelines. In the short term, this won’t be a huge issue. He is disgruntled, but he knows that he needs to perform this year if he wants to get paid. Even if he holds in for all of camp, it won’t impact the team in the regular season.
Already this upset though, what happens if the Steelers season goes sideways? A losing record in the middle of the season could really send Harris over the edge. If things don’t go as planned, I wouldn’t be shocked to hear him request a trade and ultimately get dealt.
I don’t have a problem with Harris holding in, as players should try to get as much money as they can. If you had any questions about how Harris feels about how this offseason went though, he made it clear when he entered camp.