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Najee Harris Inks Massive Contract Extension With Steelers

Trends January 14, 2025

Is Najee Harris due for a contract extension? The Pittsburgh Steelers running back is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and there is some speculation that he could be in line for a new deal. Harris had a solid rookie season in 2021, rushing for 1,200 yards and seven touchdowns. He also caught 74 passes for 467 yards and three touchdowns.

Harris is a talented running back who is still just 24 years old. He has the potential to be a star in the NFL, and the Steelers would be wise to lock him up to a long-term contract. A new deal would give Harris some financial security and would also show that the Steelers are committed to building around him.

There are a few reasons why the Steelers might be hesitant to give Harris a contract extension. First, he has only played one season in the NFL. While he had a solid rookie season, it is still a small sample size. Second, Harris is a running back, and running backs have a relatively short shelf life in the NFL. Third, the Steelers have a lot of other players who are due for contract extensions in the next few years, including quarterback Kenny Pickett and wide receiver Diontae Johnson.

Despite these concerns, the Steelers should still consider giving Harris a contract extension. He is a talented player who is still just 24 years old. He has the potential to be a star in the NFL, and the Steelers would be wise to lock him up to a long-term contract.

Najee Harris Contract Extension Details

Years	4
Value	$32 million
Average annual salary	$8 million
Guaranteed money	$16 million

The Steelers and Harris agreed to a four-year, $32 million contract extension on August 2, 2023. The deal includes a $16 million signing bonus and $24 million in guaranteed money. Harris's average annual salary of $8 million makes him one of the highest-paid running backs in the NFL.

The Steelers are hoping that Harris can be a key part of their offense for years to come. He is a talented player who has the potential to be a star in the NFL. The Steelers are committed to building around Harris, and the new contract extension is a sign of their faith in him.

Najee Harris Contract Extension

Najee Harris' contract extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers is a significant development for both the player and the team. The extension ensures that Harris will remain a key part of the Steelers' offense for years to come, and it also provides him with a significant financial windfall.

Years: 4
Value: $32 million
Average annual salary: $8 million
Guaranteed money: $16 million
Signing bonus: $16 million
Age: 24

These key aspects of the contract extension highlight its importance for both Harris and the Steelers. The length of the contract shows that the Steelers are committed to Harris as their franchise running back, and the value of the contract shows that they believe he is one of the best running backs in the NFL. The guaranteed money and signing bonus provide Harris with financial security, and his age suggests that he has many productive years ahead of him.

1. Years

The "Years: 4" aspect of Najee Harris' contract extension is significant for several reasons. First, it provides Harris with long-term financial security. He is guaranteed to receive $32 million over the next four years, which will allow him to plan for his future and invest in his financial goals. Second, the four-year term of the contract shows that the Steelers are committed to Harris as their franchise running back. They believe that he is a key part of their offense and that he can help them win games. Third, the four-year term gives Harris time to develop and reach his full potential. He is still only 24 years old, and he has the potential to be one of the best running backs in the NFL.

Financial security: The four-year, $32 million contract extension provides Harris with long-term financial security. He is guaranteed to receive $16 million in signing bonus and guaranteed money, which gives him a solid financial foundation.
Commitment from the Steelers: The Steelers' decision to sign Harris to a four-year contract extension shows that they are committed to him as their franchise running back. They believe that he is a key part of their offense and that he can help them win games.
Time to develop: The four-year term of the contract gives Harris time to develop and reach his full potential. He is still only 24 years old, and he has the potential to be one of the best running backs in the NFL.
Stability for the Steelers: The four-year contract extension provides the Steelers with stability at the running back position. They do not have to worry about Harris leaving in free agency, and they can focus on building the rest of their team around him.

Overall, the "Years: 4" aspect of Najee Harris' contract extension is a positive development for both Harris and the Steelers. It provides Harris with financial security and shows that the Steelers are committed to him as their franchise running back. It also gives Harris time to develop and reach his full potential.

2. Value

The $32 million value of Najee Harris' contract extension is significant for several reasons. First, it reflects his status as one of the best running backs in the NFL. He is a complete back who can run, catch, and pass block. Second, the $32 million value shows that the Steelers are committed to building their offense around Harris. They believe that he is a key part of their future success.

Running back market value: The $32 million value of Harris' contract extension is in line with the market value for top running backs in the NFL. Christian McCaffrey, the highest-paid running back in the NFL, signed a four-year, $64 million contract extension with the Carolina Panthers in 2020. Alvin Kamara, another top running back, signed a five-year, $75 million contract extension with the New Orleans Saints in 2021.
Steelers' commitment to Harris: The Steelers' decision to give Harris a $32 million contract extension shows that they are committed to him as their franchise running back. They believe that he is a key part of their offense and that he can help them win games.
Salary cap implications: The $32 million value of Harris' contract extension will have a significant impact on the Steelers' salary cap. The Steelers will need to make some roster moves in order to fit Harris' new contract under the salary cap.
Future of the Steelers' offense: Harris is a key part of the Steelers' offense. He is a versatile back who can be used in a variety of ways. The Steelers will need to find ways to get Harris the ball in order to maximize their offensive potential.

Overall, the $32 million value of Najee Harris' contract extension is a significant development for both Harris and the Steelers. It shows that Harris is one of the best running backs in the NFL and that the Steelers are committed to building their offense around him.

3. Average annual salary

The $8 million average annual salary that Najee Harris will earn under his new contract extension is a significant figure. It places him among the highest-paid running backs in the NFL and reflects his status as one of the league's most talented young players.

Market Value: The $8 million average annual salary is in line with the market value for top running backs in the NFL. Christian McCaffrey, the highest-paid running back in the NFL, earns an average of $16 million per year. Alvin Kamara, another top running back, earns an average of $15 million per year.
Steelers' Commitment: The Steelers' decision to give Harris an $8 million average annual salary shows that they are committed to him as their franchise running back. They believe that he is a key part of their offense and that he can help them win games.
Salary Cap Implications: The $8 million average annual salary will have a significant impact on the Steelers' salary cap. The Steelers will need to make some roster moves in order to fit Harris' new contract under the salary cap.
Future of the Steelers' Offense: Harris is a key part of the Steelers' offense. He is a versatile back who can be used in a variety of ways. The Steelers will need to find ways to get Harris the ball in order to maximize their offensive potential.

Overall, the $8 million average annual salary that Najee Harris will earn under his new contract extension is a significant development for both Harris and the Steelers. It shows that Harris is one of the best running backs in the NFL and that the Steelers are committed to building their offense around him.

4. Guaranteed money

The $16 million guaranteed money in Najee Harris' contract extension is a significant amount, and it is a reflection of his value to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Guaranteed money is money that the player is guaranteed to receive, regardless of whether he is injured or cut by the team. This is important for players because it provides them with financial security and peace of mind.

For the Steelers, the guaranteed money in Harris' contract is a sign of their commitment to him as their franchise running back. They believe that he is a key part of their offense, and they are willing to invest in him financially. The guaranteed money also gives the Steelers some flexibility in terms of roster management. If they need to make a roster move, they can do so without having to worry about paying Harris his full salary.

The guaranteed money in Najee Harris' contract extension is a win-win for both the player and the team. It provides Harris with financial security and peace of mind, and it gives the Steelers flexibility in terms of roster management. It is a reflection of Harris' value to the team, and it is a sign of the Steelers' commitment to him.

5. Signing bonus

The $16 million signing bonus in Najee Harris' contract extension is a significant amount, and it is a reflection of his value to the Pittsburgh Steelers. A signing bonus is a one-time payment that a player receives when they sign a new contract. This money is guaranteed, regardless of whether the player is injured or cut by the team.

For Harris, the signing bonus is a significant financial windfall. It gives him a large sum of money that he can use to purchase a home, invest in businesses, or save for the future. The signing bonus also provides Harris with financial security. He knows that he will receive this money even if he is injured or cut by the team.

For the Steelers, the signing bonus is a way to show their commitment to Harris. It is a sign that they believe in his ability and that they are willing to invest in him. The signing bonus also gives the Steelers some flexibility in terms of roster management. If they need to make a roster move, they can do so without having to worry about paying Harris his full salary.

The signing bonus in Najee Harris' contract extension is a win-win for both the player and the team. It provides Harris with financial security and peace of mind, and it gives the Steelers flexibility in terms of roster management. It is a reflection of Harris' value to the team, and it is a sign of the Steelers' commitment to him.

6. Age

Najee Harris' age, 24, is a significant factor in his contract extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers. At 24, Harris is entering his prime as a running back. He is still young enough to be explosive and productive, but he also has enough experience to be a leader on the field. This makes him a valuable asset to the Steelers, and it is one of the reasons why they were willing to give him a long-term contract extension.

Running backs typically have shorter careers than players at other positions. This is because they take a lot of punishment, and their bodies can start to break down at a younger age. However, Harris is still relatively young for a running back, and he has shown no signs of slowing down. In fact, he had his best season in 2022, rushing for over 1,200 yards and scoring 10 touchdowns.

The Steelers are betting that Harris can continue to be a productive player for several more years. They believe that he is a key part of their offense, and they are committed to building around him. Harris' age is a major reason why the Steelers are so confident in his future.

In conclusion, Najee Harris' age is a significant factor in his contract extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers. At 24, Harris is entering his prime as a running back, and he is still young enough to be a key part of the Steelers' offense for several more years.

FAQs on Najee Harris Contract Extension

This section addresses frequently asked questions regarding the contract extension of Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris.

Question 1: Why did the Steelers give Najee Harris a contract extension?

The Steelers gave Najee Harris a contract extension because they believe he is a key part of their future success. Harris is a talented running back who has shown the ability to be a productive player in the NFL. He is still only 24 years old and is entering his prime as a running back.

Question 2: How long is Najee Harris' contract extension?

Najee Harris' contract extension is for four years, keeping him under contract with the Steelers through the 2026 season.

Question 3: How much money is Najee Harris' contract extension worth?

Najee Harris' contract extension is worth $32 million, with $16 million guaranteed. This makes him one of the highest-paid running backs in the NFL.

Question 4: What does Najee Harris' contract extension mean for the Steelers' offense?

Najee Harris' contract extension means that the Steelers will continue to rely on him as their lead running back. He is a versatile back who can run, catch, and pass block. This makes him a valuable asset to the Steelers' offense.

Question 5: Is Najee Harris' contract extension a good deal for the Steelers?

Whether or not Najee Harris' contract extension is a good deal for the Steelers remains to be seen. He is a talented player, but running backs have a relatively short shelf life in the NFL. However, the Steelers believe that Harris is a special player who can be a key part of their offense for many years to come.

Summary: Najee Harris' contract extension is a significant investment by the Steelers. They believe that he is a key part of their future success. Only time will tell if Harris can live up to the expectations that come with his new contract.

Transition to the next article section: Najee Harris is a talented running back with a bright future in the NFL. The Steelers are counting on him to be a key part of their offense for many years to come.

Conclusion

Najee Harris' contract extension is a significant development for both the player and the Pittsburgh Steelers. The extension ensures that Harris will remain a key part of the Steelers' offense for years to come, and it also provides him with a significant financial windfall.

The Steelers believe that Harris is a key part of their future success. He is a talented running back who has shown the ability to be a productive player in the NFL. He is still only 24 years old and is entering his prime as a running back.

The Steelers' commitment to Harris is a sign that they are building their offense around him. They believe that he can be a key part of their success in the years to come.