With Pittsburgh rejecting Najee Harris’ fifth-year option, the running back will have 2024 as his prove-it year.

Additionally, it could have generated some hostility, at least externally. Omar Khan, the general manager of the Steelers, however, brushed down that story this week, saying it was just business.

Khan remarked, “It was a business decision that we had to make by May 2,” on Thursday on 93.7 The Fan. However, Najee is a great asset to have here. Love Najee—both the person and the player. We can still work with Najee in the long run even though we didn’t take it up. I wish I could claim Najee was here and worked in Pittsburgh for a long time. He does a great job representing us both on and off the field.

It was one of those things where we had to decide. We simply felt that at this moment, it was the best choice for all of us. Najee is my love. I hope he stays here for a long time.”

Pittsburgh’s hesitation can be explained by Harris’s lack of the confidence required to make a snap decision. He has three seasons in a row with 1,000 yards and has frequently taken far too much of the blame for the Steelers’ offensive woes. The rise of backup Jaylen Warren, who has flourished as a change-of-pace back behind Harris, has also put him under some threat.

It was not shocking when the deadline drew near and Pittsburgh chose not to seize the chance to extend Harris’ contract by one year. However, months before the season begins, it did increase the stakes for 2024.

Naturally, the people at 93.7 The Fan seized the opportunity to ask Khan about his choice. Harris, on the other hand, is completely sidestepping the subject, saying he will talk to media during training camp and refusing to take part in interviews during minicamp.

Harris is wise to do this since he understands that the field is the one place where he can respond to the best. Now that Arthur Smith, a former head coach of the Falcons, is leading the offense, Harris should be in the best position he’s been in since coming to Pittsburgh.

Should that occur, the Steelers may be motivated to sign Harris to a new contract. They might have given up some leverage at the negotiation table by then, too.

They are currently willing to accept the risk. The best course of action is typically to wait and watch, if history is any guide.