Caleb Harris
Another day, another report involving Najee Harris. One day after the reports linked him to the Cowboys in a possible trade, it was reported that the Steelers running back asked Pittsburgh not to pick up his fifth-year option, a report that was swift and emphatic fired by his agent.
At this point, all signs point to Harris returning to Pittsburgh in 2024. The Steelers have made no secrets about their plans to “roll” opponents this season, employing a strong running attack, led by Harris and his emerging teammate. Jaylen Warren. But it’s also fair to ask if there’s any truth to the recent speculation about Harris and his future in Pittsburgh.
If the Steelers were to actually consider trading Harris, they would likely find more than a few teams interested. The Steelers need help at receiver, so it’s possible they’ll consider trading Harris if it means getting a wideout in return.
Here’s a quick look at some of the teams that would be good fits for Harris, the only NFL running back who has rushed for 1,000 yards in each of the last three seasons.
This makes a lot of sense for both teams. The Steelers have been trying to acquire Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel. The 49ers need a running back who can take some of the load off Christian McCaffrey. To make this scenario even more plausible, Harris grew up on the West Coast, so this would be a homecoming of sorts.
Like the 49ers, the Broncos could use an upgrade at running back. They also have a veteran the Steelers could use. In Denver, Harris would complement Javonte Williams, who has been out for two years with a serious knee injury. In return, the Steelers could ask for Courtland Sutton, a veteran who caught a career-high 10 touchdown passes from Russell Wilson in 2023.
Big Blue already has several former Steelers on its offense such as Gunner Olszewski, Miles Boykin and Allen Robinson, so it’s clear the Giants like something the Steelers’ offense has been doing. Harris would also be a good complement to Devin Singletary, a smaller defender who has had success in the first two NFL stops in Buffalo and Houston. New York has several wideouts it could trade in this scenario, with Darius Slayton making the most sense. The former fifth-round pick has carved out a solid career thus far and would help open things up for George Pickens.
Kenneth Walker III has been great, but he has also battled injuries in each of his first two seasons. Adding Harris would help keep him fresh. In return, the Steelers could sign Tyler Lockett, an established veteran who should still have some gas left in the tank. Seattle has all the depth to make that happen.
Los Angeles has two former Ravens leading its defense in JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards. But Dobbins missed virtually the entire 2023 season after tearing his Achilles, and Edwards was never an asset. Harris would add safety while also strengthening Jim Harbaugh’s backfield. The Chargers’ receiving corps isn’t deep after parting ways with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, but they might be willing to part with Josh Palmer, a 2021 third-round pick who likely hasn’t reached his potential yet.
After losing Josh Jacobs in free agency, the Raiders’ running back situation is murky. Harris would provide much-needed stability by joining a backfield currently led by Zamir White and former Viking Alexander Mattison. The question here is what the Steelers would get in return. Would the Raiders be interested in trading Davante Adams? If they were, this would be a slam dunk for Pittsburgh, even if it was necessary to sweeten the pot to get a deal done.
