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Steelers RB Najee Harris 'disappointed' team declined option

Wed Jul 24 5:03pm ET
Field Level Media

When the Pittsburgh Steelers declined the fifth-year option on his rookie contract in May, running back Najee Harris wasn't pleased, but the feeling didn't last long.

"I was disappointed for a minute, but it's nothing really where me sitting around being disappointed for too long will do anything to help me out," Harris said Wednesday in his first interview with reporters since the organization's decision in the spring.

"I think that it is what it is," he said as the Steelers opened training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa. "You've got to keep pushing, and knowing that coming out here and doing what's best for the team and having a good year is what's most important right now."

Harris, 26, added that after a couple of days, his mind moved on to other things. He noted that the Steelers said part of their thinking for declining the $6.79 million option was "they didn't know which direction the offense is headed."

Arthur Smith, most recently the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons for three seasons and previously the designer of the run-heavy Tennessee Titans attack as offensive coordinator, was hired in February as the Steelers' OC. Pittsburgh fired Matt Canada from that role during last season as the offense struggled.

Since the Steelers selected him in the first round (24th overall) out of Alabama in the 2021 NFL Draft, Harris has rushed for more than 1,000 yards in each of his three seasons for 3,269 total. He's done so on 834 career attempts, for an average of 3.9 yards per carry.

He has tallied 22 rushing touchdowns and six receiving scores in 51 games, all starts.

Harris, who would become a free agent after the season, said it's all part of the business of the NFL and not additional incentive.

"I don't need somebody to tell me what I can and can't do," he said. "That doesn't motivate me or anything. I've already had my motivation since I was a kid. It's nothing new to me. I've been in this spotlight and this position pretty much all my life, ever since I was a kid. This is nothing new, just more cameras and interviews and questions."

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Player Notes
Najee Harris Jul 24 2:10pm CT
Najee Harris

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris spoke to the media on Wednesday for the first time since the team declined his fifth-year option in the spring. Harris said he wants to remain in Pittsburgh on a long-term basis but noted that it's "a business" and isn't fretting about the future. In three seasons with the Steelers, Harris has exceeded the 1,000-yard rushing mark in each year, but he's averaged 3.9 yards per attempt on 834 carries over his career. The 26-year-old is set to split carries with the more explosive Jaylen Warren in 2024, but new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is likely going to ride Harris in early-down spots and goal-line situations. Harris is shaping up as a solid RB2 bet in the middle rounds fantasy drafts as the starter in a run-centric offense with improved quarterback play.

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Gus Edwards Jul 24 1:50pm CT
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Breece Hall Jul 24 1:00pm CT
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Michael Pittman Jr. Jul 24 9:20am CT
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Tee Higgins Jul 24 9:00am CT
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Daniel Jones Jul 24 8:40am CT
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Randy Gregory Jul 24 8:40am CT
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers placed edge defender Randy Gregory on the reserve/did not report list after he did not report to training camp this week. The veteran signed with Tampa Bay this offseason after spending time with the Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers in 2023, but there is now uncertainty surrounding him. Overall, the 2015 second-round pick has accumulated 106 tackles (78 solo), 22 sacks, 10 forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, one interception, three pass deflections, and 11.5 run stuffs in 60 career games with the 49ers, Broncos, and Cowboys. He's been somewhat productive, but he has been difficult to count on throughout his career.

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Jerod Mayo Jul 24 8:30am CT
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New England Patriots edge rusher Matthew Judon is expected to participate in training camp that starts on Wednesday as he remains in contract talks with the organization. The 31-year-old is reportedly close to reaching a new deal with the Patriots, and it's a good sign to see he will not hold out or "hold in." The four-time Pro Bowler played in just four games last season before suffering a torn bicep, but he delivered four sacks in limited action. Overall, Judon has racked up 66.5 sacks in 114 career games, including 32 sacks in 38 games with New England. With the Patriots headed toward a full rebuild under new head coach Jerod Mayo, Judon's presence in the locker room as a leader could be significant.

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Tyreek Hill Jul 24 8:20am CT
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