Pittsburgh Steelers star predicted to land big payday in free agency

The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to find ways to win, as the team is 7-2 and atop the AFC North through ten weeks. Mike Tomlin's squad picked up a resident 28-27 victory over the Washington Commanders in Week 10, fighting back from a 24-14 second-half deficit and displaying why they are legitimate playoff contenders. 

Pittsburgh has a tough divisional matchup versus the Baltimore Ravens in Week 11 at home, as the winner of the contest will have sole possession of first place in the division. 

One of the primary reasons for Pittsburgh's success in 2024 has been the steady growth of the offense, especially the rushing attack. Running back Najee Harris is having a career year and is on his way to another 1,000-yard campaign. 

With Harris flourishing under first-year offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, the former Alabama standout will likely land a sizeable payday in free agency this offseason. The 33rd Team's Marcus Mosher believes Harris will land a contract worth $9.5 million annually in 2025 free agency.

"Harris has started every game since the Steelers drafted him in Round 1 of the 2021 draft. He is as durable as they come, and his ability to play all three downs will make him attractive to teams in free agency."

"Harris is not the most explosive back, but teams looking to pair a veteran running back with a young quarterback should be interested in the former Alabama star. He turns 27 in March, but as we saw last offseason, that didn't scare off many teams. Look for Harris to earn a multi-year deal in free agency, averaging nearly $10 million per season."

Though he has struggled with efficiency in his career, Harris is the clear-cut RB1 in next year's free agency class, and his solid play since arriving in Pittsburgh in 2021 should land him a nice paycheck. The 2021 first-round pick has posted over 1,200 scrimmage yards in each of his first three seasons, including 1,667 total yards during his rookie campaign.

In 2024, Harris has totaled 645 rushing yards and three touchdowns through nine games and is playing the most efficient football of his career, averaging 4.1 yards per carry. 

Though the 26-year-old has been extremely valuable to the Steelers' offensive operation this year, there's no guarantee that Harris will be back in 2025 due to the state of the running back market in the NFL. But if he continues to establish himself as one of the most vital players on a premier playoff team, general manager Omar Khan may look to re-sign Harris to a long-term deal in the offseason.