Harris: 'Upset' Steelers declined choice

LATROBE, Pa. — Talking for the primary time because the Pittsburgh Steelers opted to say no his fifth-year choice, operating again Najee Harris stated Wednesday that he was “disillusioned” with the staff’s choice, however the 26-year-old did not let the harm linger.

“I used to be disillusioned for a minute, however I imply, it is nothing actually the place me sitting round being disillusioned for too lengthy will do something to assist me out,” Harris stated because the Steelers reported to coaching camp at St. Vincent School. “I feel that it’s what it’s, and also you simply acquired to maintain it pushing and figuring out that popping out right here and doing what’s finest for the staff and having a superb yr is what’s most essential proper now.”

Harris, who was chosen twenty fourth general within the 2021 draft, leads the NFL with 978 touches over the previous three seasons (44 greater than some other participant). In 2023, nevertheless, Harris performed the fewest variety of snaps in his profession as he cut up time within the backfield with Jaylen Warren. Harris performed 53% of offensive snaps and scored eight touchdowns, whereas Warren performed 49% and scored 4 touchdowns.

Harris stated Steelers brass defined the choice to him by saying, “I do not know the place the offense is headed.”

The Steelers fired former offensive coordinator Matt Canada halfway via the 2023 season and introduced in former Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith because the staff’s new offensive coordinator within the offseason. Smith, who was additionally beforehand the Tennessee Titans‘ offensive coordinator, has a fame for constructing offenses with sturdy floor assaults and utilizing play-action passing ideas.

A yr in the past, Harris was outspoken in regards to the state of operating backs’ contracts and the devaluation of the place. He asserted once more Wednesday that the place continues to be an essential one, even when operating backs aren’t fetching top-dollar offers.

“They’re solely devalued when it is time to pay,” Harris stated. “I imply, clearly they don’t seem to be devalued, although. In case you go searching. Me sitting right here saying that I am a devalued place the place there’s video games the place I actually carry the offense, giving me the ball, so it is probably not devalued. They simply, when it is time to pay you, and I feel that is after they wish to devalue the place, which it’s what it’s.”

And although it is an ongoing subject, Harris stated there is not a lot the gamers can do to extend the worth of their contracts.

“Proper now, we’re not put in the very best place, as a result of in the event that they inform us to this sport, you bought to hold the ball this a lot time, you’ll be able to’t say no,” he stated. “I imply it will not look good on you. You do not have no leverage, actually, proper now as a operating again.”

In declining the $6.7 million choice, the Steelers successfully made Harris a free agent on the finish of the 2024 season, and he stated there have not been any negotiations on an extension.

However the operating again stated he nonetheless needs to remain in Pittsburgh long run.

“Most undoubtedly. I prefer it right here in Pittsburgh,” Harris stated. “I like Coach [Tomlin], Mr. Rooney, Omar [Khan], even [former general manager] Kevin Colbert when he was right here.

“It is a good metropolis. Clearly. the individuals listed here are good and are welcoming, however it’s a enterprise. This comes and goes in your life. … I have been round these items all my life, and what I all the time take from it’s I’ve all the time been within the driver’s seat of this, and God’s been steering it and wherever he stops the vehicles is wherever I am working at. and if it is right here or elsewhere, by all means I’ll do every little thing I can for that staff. And that is simply the mindset you bought to have with this sport.”