Steelers GM Talks Najee Harris, Cam Heyward Contracts; Eyes Future with Both Players

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris and defensive end Cam Heyward are heading into the final seasons of their contract, but general manager Omar Khan sees a future with both players.

"Cam's got a lot of football ahead of him still. I expect him to be here for years to come," Khan told reporters Thursday.

Heyward, a six-time Pro Bowler who has been with the Steelers his entire 13-year NFL career, will make $16 million in 2024. The 35-year-old missed six games last season, just the second time in his career he's failed to play at least 15 games.

Harris has also been remarkably healthy, playing in all 17 games and topping 1,000 rushing yards in each of his first three NFL seasons. The Steelers nevertheless declined Harris' fifth-year option in his contract, which will make him an unrestricted free agent after this season. Khan said the Steelers "think the world" of Harris despite the decision.

"I still see a future with Najee," Khan said.

The fifth-year option would have guaranteed Harris $6.8 million in the 2025 season. That number would rank 13th among running backs and is a relative pittance in terms of the salary cap.

That said, the emergence of Jaylen Warren as a more effective per-down back likely altered the Steelers' thinking with Harris. The only way the decision comes back to bite them is if Harris breaks out and becomes a true gamechanger.