The Steelers had some decisions to take today regarding fifth year options for players still on rookie deals.

As expected, they declined the fifth year option on quarterback Justin Fields, who was acquired by trade this offseason for a sixth round pick in 2025. Fields was the former 11th overall pick by the Bears in 2021, and played three seasons in Chicago.

His fifth year option would have paid him $25 million, an incredibly steep jump from the $3.2 million he is currently making. There’s still time and space to work out a deal for him, but it’s safe to say the Steelers weren’t looking to spend that kind of money on a player who has yet to take a snap for them and figures to be the backup quarterback this year.

Their other decision, however, was far more controversial. Pittsburgh also declined the fifth year option on running back Najee Harris.

Harris, whose fifth year option was a much more reasonable $6.79 million for the 2025 season, now is set to become a free agent at the end of 2024.

It’s not a great look to see the Steelers decline an extra year (as of now) on a former first round running back. The running back position has been decreasing in value for years now, with less and less draft stock going into taking running backs in the top rounds.

The position has become more expendable, and late round picks/undrafted players are making an impact in the run game, which has helped further the stigma against top picks being used on running backs.

Even in Pittsburgh we’ve seen that, where the success of the undrafted Jaylen Warren, who has cut down Harris’ playing time over the last two years.

Despite this however, I believe this was the wrong decision by the Steelers.