Ex-Alabama Crimson Tide star Najee Harris’ market depends on Chargers, Cowboys, and Vikings’ free agent decisions
Steelers RB Najee Harris is perhaps the biggest name on the NFL free agent market at his position, but even he doesn’t have an obvious landing spot when negotiations can officially begin this Wednesday.
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reports that the Chargers, Cowboys, and Vikings’ own decisions will determine Harris’ outlook.
“The running back market figures to be depressed—even in the year after the Eagles, Green Bay Packers and Ravens cashed in big on veteran signings at the position—in part because of the strength of the draft class. Pittsburgh’s Najee Harris is probably the biggest name out there, and his windfall (and destination) could depend on how the Chargers (J.K. Dobbins), Dallas Cowboys (Rico Dowdle) and Vikings (Aaron Jones) handle their own free agents,” Breer wrote.
Former NFL agent Joel Corry projects a three-year deal for Harris with a $10 million AAV.
“Harris had his fourth straight season with 1,000 yards rushing in his four-year NFL career. He is the only player to do so over the last four seasons (2021 through 2024),” Corry wrote, per PennLive. “Harris rushed for 1,043 yards on 263 carries for a 4.0 average with six touchdowns in 2024.”
The Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac agrees on the price point and projects Pittsburgh not matching it.
“After four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in which he never missed a game, Harris could command an average of $7 million to $10 million a year on the open market—a number the Steelers would not be inclined to match,” Dulac wrote.
It’s unclear who will show Harris the money, but his projection is begging someone to.
Whoever has $10 million in annual cap space sounds like the winner of the Harris sweepstakes.
