Get ready because there might be little change going into next season. The Steelers organization believes this group can win a playoff game without massive alterations to their coaching staff or roster. Other than a couple of coaches departing on expiring contracts, there will be no changes to many people whose fans were demanding to be fired.
With little changes to the coaching staff, don't expect their players to look different.
Najee Harris is a big-name free agent scheduled to hit the open market in March. While he has 1,000-yard rushing campaigns in his first four years in the NFL, they haven't been impressive. His lack of explosiveness should concern folks about re-signing the former top pick.
Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette went on the Mark Madden Show on February 11. He explained that not only does Mike Tomlin love Harris, but he wants the running back to return. You can complement his steady demeanor and lack of injury history, but Harris is someone you can replace with a talent-rich crop of prospects in the coming draft.
Steelers might offer a lucrative three-year extension for Harris
Dulac tried laying out a defense for the Steelers re-signing Harris during his appearance. It was a segment that exposed the issues that have plagued Pittsburgh's favorite football team with Tomlin at the helm. He hangs onto his buddies and sticks to players that make him feel comfortable. Harris isn't a game-breaking runner, but neither is the crop of free agents he will rival.
Re-signing Harris is one problem, but not investing in an explosive running back in a draft pool filled with talent would be crazy. Most scouts believe this group of incoming rookies will have starting-caliber players available on day three of the draft. Not replacing a slow back in Harris with a speedy rookie who could add a new dynamic on offense is insane.
Dulac explained, "I don't think it's the Steelers priority to go get a running back on the first two days of the draft. But I think you'll see them draft one on day three. A guy who can get to the edge. A guy who has some speed."
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Bringing a fast guy at the position is great, but having Jaylen Warren and Harris in the backfield will limit their snaps. Taking a player towards the later rounds could mean little to no change. Tomlin will refuse to give the rookie many snaps. Heck, if they are taken in the later rounds, they could struggle to even make the team out of camp.
Harris cannot be re-signed, especially at the price tag floated into the universe.
"What I'm hearing, is that if they re-sign him, it will be average seven to ten million over no more than three years. I don't think it'll be two. That's what it's going to take if they decide to do it," said Dulac.
Bringing Harris back on an extension like that should get someone fired. We all know Art Rooney II won't care and will preach that this team is still doing its best to win. Shame on Tomlin, Rooney, and Omar Khan for accepting these failures. Harris might be a decent starter, but he won't be a guy who takes over a game and pushes you to a championship level.
Although there has been a recent resurgence for running backs they are still easily replaced. Harris has been consistent and injury-free, but they could find an upgrade in the coming draft for cheaper. They must add explosiveness to the position and limit a runner like Harris who fails to find holes consistently. Pittsburgh needs to move on and deny paying him.