The 24th overall pick in April’s draft has signed his rookie contract. And running back Najee Harris is expected to make a big impact in his first year with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
When your team finishes next-to-last, 29th and last in the league in rushing yards per game, respectively, over the last three seasons, something needs to change in a hurry. This offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers opted not to bring back offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner and promoted quarterbacks coach Matt Canada to replace him.
And late last month, the franchise did something it had not done since 2008. General manager Kevin Colbert drafted a running back in the first round. And University of Alabama standout Najee Harris brings a lot to the table.
“I think he is as highly conditioned as anybody out there, and that’s a great place to begin,” explained head coach Mike Tomlin earlier this month (via Adam Maya of NFL.com). “I think he’s got a nice foundation from that perspective. He’s a sharp guy, he’s a football guy. You can tell he is passionate about football. He can articulate the game very well, so there’s a lot to be excited about.”
The Steelers announced on Tuesday that the 24th overall pick in April’s draft signed a four-year, $13.1 million deal. There’s also a fifth-year option for Harris, who in his final two seasons with the Crimson Tide amassed an incredible 3,419 yards from scrimmage and 50 total touchdowns in 26 games for Nick Saban’s club.
It’s not as if the recent Steelers did not enjoy the benefits of running back Le’Veon Bell for a few seasons. But the running game disappeared late in 2018 and really hasn’t consistently resurfaced. The Steelers offensive line is in the midst of transition and will need to step up its game as well.
But Harris could truly be the back the team has craved the last few seasons and balance is the key if quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and Pittsburgh’s offense is to make amends for a rough finish in 2020.