NFC Contender the Dallas Cowboys may make shocking $13 million blockbuster trade that would involve Pittsburgh Steeler running back, Najee Harris. According to a report, the Cowboys would be an ideal landing spot for one of the top running backs in the league today. The proposal would see Dallas sending a 2025 fourth-round draft pick in exchange for the Alabama product. Harris is likely entering his final season with the Steelers after declining his fifth-year option.
Trading Harris would give Pittsburgh something out of a trade before potentially leaving the team in free agency next season. The Steelers would be foolish if they let him walk next offseason without getting something ahead of his departure. The former first-round draft pick from the 2021 NFL Draft has been one of the more consistent running backs. He’s been able to run for over 1,000 yards in each of his first three seasons in the NFL.
Harris has the fourth-most rushing yards of any running back in the league in that time frame and only ranks behind Derrick Henry in carries. The Alabama product established himself as one of the most durable running backs with capabilities of carrying a heavy workload. The only miscue about Harris’ play is his ability to get big plays and there’s a ceiling on carrying the ball. Harris’ agent denied that he asked the Steelers to not pick up his fifth-year option.
The running attack is being led by Harris and Jaylen Warren, so there’s no secret on that. However, it’s fair to speculate if there’s any truth about his future with the Steelers in the ongoing trade rumors. They may find some trade partners if they’re considering the trade. It’s a “big if” situation as he’s safe in Pittsburgh for the 2024 campaign.
NFC Contender Dallas Cowboys May Make Shocking $13 Million Blockbuster Trade
Will Najee Harris Get An Extension?
The trade rumors were enough for Harris’ agent, Doug Hendrickson to call out the source as a “joke” and suggesting to “find a real source.” Harris never made the demand to not pick up his fifth-year option so it may be strange why the Steelers did it. They could have their reasons for doing on passing up that opportunity. However, another source says that the Steelers won’t be moving on from him despite the trade rumors.
Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette said he believes the Steelers made the decision based on a financial one. They’re looking to work out a contract extension after the 2024 campaign. It’s hard to imagine that the Steelers will make negotiations happen midseason so he could play out his contract year. It shouldn’t surprise anyone that Pittsburgh will let Harris test free agency next offseason considering the play time given to Warren.
However, Harris was still productive last season tallying 1,035 yards and eight touchdowns. The Cowboys have a lackluster running back room with Tony Pollard’s departure. They were able to sign Ezekiel Elliott and Royce Freeman on one-year deals but none of them are expected to be long-term players. Here are some other potential trade fits for the Alabama product.
Team Trade Fits for Harris
The Chargers have two inconsistent former Ravens running backs, J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards. It doesn’t sound promising for Jim Harbaugh who values the run game. They may make a trade happen since the Steelers need a receiver by sending Josh Palmer and a draft pick in exchange for Harris. However, one destination that would be a dream for him would be the Kansas City Chiefs.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire doesn’t seem to be a reasonable backup for Isiah Pacheco so sharing the backfield with Harris would give the offense another exploding playmaker. The final trade that makes sense is the San Francisco 49ers since they’ve been shopping Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel. It would sound reasonable to send either one receiver in exchange for Harris to team with Christian McCaffrey.
