Pittsburgh Steelers chances of keeping Star RB very slim

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers lean on their Pro Bowl quarterback to lead the offense, and over the last three games, he’s done everything they could have asked of them. With three 100-yard games in a row, everyone is wondering why the team decided not to pick up Harris’ fifth-year option this offseason and whether or not they’ll be able to keep him next season.

Well, things are not looking good for them. Heading into the year, there were two perspectives on the situation – either Harris was a mismatch in Arthur Smith’s offense and the Steelers moved on, or Harris looked so good that he made his price tag too high for Pittsburgh to pay.

Right now, it looks like Harris will get a nice payday this offseason, but chances are it won’t be from the Steelers.

Speaking to 93.7 The FanThe Steelers and Pat McAfee Show correspondent Mark Kaboly gave Pittsburgh a less than 10 percent chance of keeping Harris next season. At most, he gives them a seven percent chance of succeeding at a new deal.

“I just don’t think they would be interested enough,” Kaboly said. “And there is a two-way street. Is he interested enough to come back after not getting that money or even picking up his option? He’s earned every right in the world to go out there and see what free agency has to offer. And if he gets anything in the offseason this year, it will be a decent amount of money.”

The Steelers will likely look to the NFL draft for another running back option and could choose to keep Jaylen Warren as well. Cordarrelle Patterson is signed to a three-year contract, making him an option next season to back up whoever they acquire to play alongside him.

For now, they will continue to look to Harris to lead the offense and produce just like he has been. And with championship aspirations in their sights, they’ll lean on their former first-round pick to carry the load.

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