From Steel City to Emerald City: The Potential Move of $13 Million Star to Seahawks
The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing a pivotal offseason as they grapple with a string of underwhelming performances in recent years, culminating in a disappointing conclusion to the 2024 season. The team, led by head coach Mike Tomlin, spiraled downward, losing four consecutive games to close out the regular season and suffering a humiliating defeat at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens in the wild card round.
Uncertain Future of Najee Harris
Among the myriad uncertainties looming over the Steelers is the future of running back Najee Harris. Drafted as the 24th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Harris is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the Steelers opted not to exercise his fifth-year option for the 2024 season. Despite his significant role in Pittsburgh’s offensive strategy, Harris, at 26, has faced criticism for his inconsistent performance, prompting speculation that the Steelers might seek to overhaul their running back corps in the upcoming offseason.
Seattle Seahawks: A Potential New Home for Harris
Should Harris part ways with Pittsburgh in free agency, there is speculation that the Seattle Seahawks could emerge as a possible destination for the former Pro Bowl running back. Jonathan Eig of 12th Man Rising has suggested that Harris could be eyeing a move to the Pacific Northwest, especially if he is slotted in to replace Kenneth Walker in the Seahawks’ lineup.
Eig pointed out, “Najee Harris is not a candidate for a backup role. Therefore, his move to the great Northwest would only make sense if he is stepping in for Kenneth Walker.” Drawing attention to the familiarity between Harris and Seahawks’ defensive coach Mike Macdonald, who had faced Harris twice yearly during his tenure with the Ravens, Eig hinted at a potential preference for Harris’s reliability over Walker’s more unpredictable style.
Harris’s Potential Impact on the Seahawks
While Harris may not be known for his explosiveness, the former Alabama standout boasts a consistent track record of rushing for over 1,000 yards in each of his four seasons in the NFL, coupled with a remarkable attendance record having never missed a game. His addition to the Seahawks’ offense could inject a much-needed dose of physicality into a unit that faced challenges during the 2024 season.
The Path Forward for Harris and the Steelers
As the Steelers navigate their offseason decisions, the possibility of retaining Harris remains on the table. However, General Manager Omar Khan may opt for a fresh start at the running back position, ushering in new talent. In such a scenario, Seattle emerges as an appealing destination for Harris, offering him the chance to rejuvenate his career with a new team while assuming a pivotal role as the lead running back for a playoff-contending squad.
