As the Pittsburgh Steelers gear up for the upcoming NFL season, all eyes are on running back Najee Harris, who is entering the final year of his contract. A former Pro Bowl player, Harris has proven to be a cornerstone of the Steelers' offense. The 2022 season saw Harris and Jaylen Warren combine for an impressive 1,819 rushing yards on 404 carries, delivering 12 touchdowns and maintaining an average of 4.5 yards per carry. Additionally, the duo caught a combined 90 passes for 520 yards, showcasing their versatility on the field.
Narratives Surrounding Najee Harris
Speculation is rife about Harris’s future with the team, especially after the Steelers chose not to pick up his fifth-year option, paving the way for him to become a free agent next offseason. Despite this, Harris remains focused and optimistic. "Feeling good. We did good this offseason. Obviously, we picked up our two quarterbacks, so we're excited about it. We think we're going to have a lot of good things happening this year," Harris remarked, reflecting on the team's recent acquisitions.
Harris’s performance in the final three games of last season was nothing short of spectacular, rushing for 312 yards. His contributions were pivotal in the Steelers' playoff-clinching Week 18 victory over the Baltimore Ravens, where he scored a crucial touchdown that sealed their postseason berth. This kind of explosive performance is what the Steelers will be hoping to see more of as they navigate the challenges of the upcoming season.
Quarterback Acquisitions: Russell Wilson and Justin Fields
In a bid to strengthen their roster, the Steelers acquired quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields during the offseason. Wilson, known for his deep passes and game management skills, brings a veteran presence to the team. Fields, a dynamic playmaker, adds versatility and depth to the quarterback position. Together, they are expected to elevate the Steelers' offensive play, providing much-needed stability and creativity under center.
Defensive Reinforcements
On the defensive side, the Steelers made a significant addition by acquiring Patrick Queen, a former Pro Bowl linebacker from the Ravens. Queen's arrival is expected to bolster the Steelers' defense, adding to an already formidable unit. The team also drafted promising talents in Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier, and Roman Wilson, who are anticipated to make an immediate impact once the season kicks off.
Organizational Confidence and Expectation
The Steelers’ organization remains confident in their strategic moves and the leadership of head coach Mike Tomlin. Team owner Art Rooney II expressed his expectations for the 2024 season, stating his faith in Tomlin's ability to guide the team back to winning playoff games and championships. "Art Rooney II made expectations for 2024 clear by stating his confidence in Mike Tomlin's ability to 'guide the team back to winning playoff games and championships, while continuing our tradition of success,'" Rooney affirmed.
The Steelers' legacy of success is well-documented, having not experienced a losing season since 2003. However, the team is hungry for postseason triumphs, as they have not won a playoff game since 2016. The combination of new acquisitions and the steady leadership of Tomlin aims to break this dry spell, driving the team toward a deeper playoff run.
As narratives swirl around Najee Harris’s future and the team’s potential, the Steelers are poised for a season filled with high expectations and remarkable possibilities. With a balanced mix of experienced veterans and promising newcomers, the stage is set for Pittsburgh to possibly end its playoff drought and reestablish itself as a formidable force in the NFL.