For whatever reason, it appeared to be a foregone conclusion that the Pittsburgh Steelers and Najee Harris would go their separate ways after the 2024 season. While Harris could indeed depart via free agency,

The Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to tender Jaylen Warren, likely with a second-round tender, and he will return to the Steelers in 2025, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac reported and sources confirmed to PennLive.

Not picking up Najee Harris‘ fifth-year option, the Steelers also did not conduct any known extension talks before Week 1. A team with a no-in-season negotiating policy has either left this winter window open to re-sign Harris or is prepared to move on with Jaylen Warren and a cheaper option in 2025.