Mike Tomlin’s Strong Measure Against Najee Harris Confirmed After Giving Up on Justin Fields – Reports

Numbers don’t always show the whole picture, you know. Just look at Najee Harris’ situation in Pittsburgh. For 4 years he hasn’t missed a single game. Insane, right? And for 4 of those years he has breached the 1,000 yard benchmark—Cool. Consistency? Check. Reliable? Of course. I mean, it’s never easy to play 68 consecutive games, adding the fact that he started all of them. So, don’t you think the Steelers should keep an ever-present runner like Harris on the roster. Numbers are there, games are there. Well, not exactly. Latest reports suggest Harris could be on his way out of Pittsburgh for greener pastures.

Steelers insider Gerry Dulac believes Mike Tomlin will allow Harris to walk into free agency. “After four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in which he never missed a game. Harris could command an average of $7M to $10M a year on the open market—a number the Steelers would not be inclined to match.” See, it’s not like the Steelers wouldn’t have been able to afford that money. But after seeing Harris for 4 years in Steel City, they don’t want to see him no more. Why? ESPN’s Seth Walder had the perfect explanation that could easily fit with the Steelers’ stance of not giving their former first-rounder an extension.

Dulac believes the Steelers will let both Najee Harris and Donte Jackson walk in free agency. #Steelers #NFL

— Blitzburgh (@Blitz_Burgh) March 9, 2025

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“If I told you there was an available running back who averaged 3.9 yards per carry over more than 1,000 career attempts, had negative rush yards over expectation in three of four seasons and didn’t produce any exceptional receiving numbers, what would that player be worth to you?” I guess if you ask the Steelers—he is worth nothing right now. Some crazy stats paint a bleak picture of Harris’ worth as a starting RB in free agency. There have been 32 RBs over the last decade with at least 1,000 carries. Well, Harris, for one, ranks 30th in that group with an average of 3.9 yards per carry.

Hell, he wasn’t even the best running back in Steel City last season at least in terms of explosiveness. Like what comes to mind whenever you think running backs. You imagine them breaking tackles, spinning, and manoeuvring their way out of the crowd, right? Steelers backup RB Jaylen Warren had all of that. He averaged 4.3 yards per carry compared to Harris’ 4.0 last season. So, clearly the Steelers know whom they need to keep and whom they need to get rid of.

Well, Tomlin could be bang on in the running backs department. But in the matter of QBs, the Steelers head coach could be again wrong.

Mike Tomlin’s decision on Justin Fields could haunt him foreverEverything was moving in the right direction in Steel City. Fields started the first 6 games, gave his team a 4-2 start, completed 65.8% of his passes while throwing 10 TDs (5 in the air and 5 on the ground). He had all the traits to continue even if Russell Wilson was coming back. But Tomlin thought, why not go lone ranger and sack Fields for a QB entering his twilight.

Well, actually this move worked for quite some time. Wilson took over and positioned the Steelers to one game away from the AFC North Title. All they had to do was keep that momentum going. However, cracks soon started to develop, and they only grew wider. The Steelers went on a 5-game losing streak, and Tomlin’s decision ended up being a bust.

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And since that day in week 6, Tomlin’s relationship with Fields hasn’t been the same. It was pretty clear Mike didn’t trust him enough and that’s why Fields is considering moving on. The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported that Justin Fields is expected to test free agency. But not without Pittsburgh still trying to sign him before the legal tampering period that opens on Monday. However, time has basically run out for the Steelers to make their move. Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz further added that the Jets are exploring the opportunity to sign Fields.

Steelers QB Justin Fields is expected to test free agency, per @DMRussini.

Pittsburgh is still making efforts to re-sign Fields, but they’re unlikely to do so before the legal tampering period opens Monday at 12 pm ET.

The Jets are among the teams that have interest in Fields. pic.twitter.com/wlg5zRHOx2

— Football Forever (@fballforeverhq) March 8, 2025

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They are believed to be high on Fields because of his poise, ability to come out of pocket and athleticism. Jets’ new regime thinks Fields could be that big free agent signing they are looking for. I mean after what happened with Aaron Rodgers and how that turned out. Of course, the Jets are looking for a younger option. Still only 26, Fields has a lot of room to grow. And possibly end the Jets QB curse once and for all. Will that happen? Well, that’s a different story. But at least on paper Fields looks like the perfect fit for Gang Green. As for the Steelers, they will continue to ponder how they fumbled someone who could have been their answer at quarterback for many years.