Steelers: Najee Harris may think it's time for change at the RB position
The NFL seems to think running backs are a dime a dozen these days. A quick landscape of the league shows some of the most productive players at the position being cast aside or bargained down. Najee Harris is seemingly looking out for what may soon happen to him, echoing the sentiments of his NFL […]
The NFL seems to think running backs are a dime a dozen these days.
A quick landscape of the league shows some of the most productive players at the position being cast aside or bargained down.
Najee Harris is seemingly looking out for what may soon happen to him, echoing the sentiments of his NFL fraternity:
Harris took to Instagram this morning, posting something cryptic yet obvious all in one on his IG story. The back to back 1000 yard rusher has been keeping up with the running back news around the league, and he wants no part of it:
Harris' re-post of the graphic on his story is the modern-day version of being passive-aggressive. He didn't actually say the words, but he obviously agrees with them, and in my opinion for good reason.
R.G. III is pointing out the Dalvin Cook situation, using it as an example to highlight the recent depreciation of the position. But Cook's release doesn't do the situation justice if you look around the league.
Still a great back that has been wildly productive with the Vikings, Cook's release feels premature, but the rumors of him being on the chopping block have circulated for some time now.
Two other scenarios that are far more compelling to the future of the running back position are the situations in Vegas and New York, as both Josh Jacobs and Saquon Barkley are yet to sign the franchise tag their respective teams placed on them.
Barkley recently opened up about what the negotiations have been like, and the two-time Pro Bowler didn't hold back, even getting personal in some of his remarks. The native New Yorker has battled injury but he's been of the most dynamic and highly used weapons in the league when on the field, easily living up to his top-five draft status.
As for Josh Jacobs, all he's doing is coming off a first-team All-Pro season that saw him gain over 2000 all-purpose yards and 12 total touchdowns. The former bruiser from Bama now has a rushing title and multiple Pro Bowls, all at only 25 years old.
Yet the Raiders have shown no interest in extending him, with recent reports stating that Vegas won't even negotiate with Jacobs. The talented back has hinted that if that's the case, maybe it's time he takes a stand for backs across the league.
Najee Harris knows that he soon will be up for his rookie extension as he approaches the pivotal year three of his first-round rookie deal. Pittsburgh will have to make a decision this offseason on whether or not to pick up Harris' fifth-year option, potentially signaling his future with the team.
If Harris lives up to the recent statistical performances he's put together or even exceeds them, the Steelers will be faced with a tough choice.
Buck the trend and pay your running back? Or continue on with the ways of the modern NFL?
We will find out soon enough.
Featured image via: © Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
