For whatever reason, it appeared to be a foregone conclusion that the Pittsburgh Steelers and Najee Harris would go their separate ways after the 2024 season. While Harris could indeed depart via free agency,

The Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to tender Jaylen Warren, likely with a second-round tender, and he will return to the Steelers in 2025, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac reported and sources confirmed to PennLive.

Not picking up Najee Harris' fifth-year option, the Steelers also did not conduct any known extension talks before Week 1.

The Pittsburgh Steelers ' backfield could return in 2025. The organization has the option to re-sign running back Najee Harris to a long-term contract, or let him walk in free agency. That appears to be the only way Pittsburgh can retain Harris,

Spotrac has projected Harris' contract in free agency, and it comes in as a healthy three years, $27 million. That would make Harris the ninth highest-paid running back in the entire NFL, tied for that spot with New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a lot of controversy heading into the 2025 offseason regarding the quarterback and wide receiver positions. That's just the beginning, however, when it comes to the offense.