With Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren set to become free agents this summer, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac suggests the Steelers will part ways with Harris.
Although Harris and Warren have played their last down under their current contracts, Harris will become an unrestricted free agent, whereas Warren is a restricted free agent. Due to his status as an RFA, it’ll be easier, and potentially cheaper, for the Steelers to keep Warren instead of Harris. Dulac also implied that the team will look to replace Harris via the 2025 NFL Draft rather than free agency.
Harris burst onto the scene as a rookie in 2021, handling 381 touches for 1,667 yards from scrimmage and ten total touchdowns. He went to the Pro Bowl that season, but his production has been underwhelming since. There’s no denying the impact of a true workhorse running back who’s reliable and rarely injured, but the truth is Harris isn’t explosive or efficient enough for the Steelers to lean on him. He’s never had more than 4.4 yards per touch in a season, and the longest play of his career is a 37-yard run from his rookie season. In contrast, Warren has been considerably more efficient with his opportunities despite fetching half of Harris’s usage. Since Warren entered the league in 2022, he leads Harris in yards per carry (4.8 to 3.9) and yards per reception (7.0 to 6.4).
Warren has never started a game for the Steelers since Harris has been healthy for all 17 games in each of his four NFL seasons, and there’s a reason for that. Workloads are earned, not given, and some running backs are more well-equipped to handle a significant number of touches every week. With that in mind, even if the Steelers part ways with Harris, don’t expect Warren to have the backfield to himself. The 2025 NFL Draft class has been praised by media pundits for its depth at running back, so it’d make a lot of sense for Pittsburgh to invest in a younger, cheaper replacement for Harris.
Author: Trey Kroll (@TreyK_FB)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Cordarrelle Patterson ...
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Cordarrelle Patterson ...
The Pittsburgh Steelers activated running back/wide receiver...
Steelers offseason addition Cordarrelle Patterson could have a larger role than only returning kicks in 2024, according to The Athletic’s Mark Kaboly.
The NFL changed its kickoff rules this offseason in a move expected to favor the return team significantly. Shortly after this change, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed RB/WR hybrid Cordarelle Patterson. Patterson’s offensive versatility is well known, but his most unique ability may be his skills as a returner. He leads all players in NFL history with nine kickoff returns for a touchdown.
When Patterson signed this offseason, most assumed the 33-year-old would be relegated to a role as a returner only. But a new report from The Athletic’s Mark Kaboloy claims Patterson “will likely have a bigger role than being a specialist.” Patterson could become a rotational option at wide receiver given Pittsburgh’s lack of depth. Behind George Pickens, there’s a competition for the team’s WR2 spot between rookie Roman Wilson, Calvin Austin III, Van Jefferson, and now Cordarrelle Patterson. As for the run game, Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren have that secured. But an injury to either during the season would lead to an expanded role for Patterson.
Steelers sign RB Cordarrelle Patterson to two-year, $6 million deal.
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ busy off-season continues with their signing of Cordarrelle Patterson to a two-year, $6 million deal. The veteran offensive weapon will add another dynamic element to a revamped Steel City offense. The former 2013 1st round pick reunites with his former Atlanta Falcons Head Coach, Arthur Smith.
After a slow start to his career as a traditional WR, Patterson in recent seasons has developed into a versatile playmaker as an RB, WR and returner. He holds the league record of nine return TDs, six of which were for over 100 yards. His past three seasons with the Falcons, all under Arthur Smith, have been his most successful, where he’s accumulated over 2,200 total yards and 20 TDs.
Joining an already crowded backfield with Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris, Patterson likely won’t contribute to fantasy rosters in the traditional sense. However, his presence may boost the already stout Steelers team defense with his ability to take it to the house if given the chance to run back a kickoff. There is no doubt the Steelers will utilize Patterson’s playmaking abilities in a variety of ways.
