The Pittsburgh Steelers may have a key starter to replace on the offensive side of the ball this offseason, as former first-round pick and running back, Najee Harris, is a pending free agent.
Harris exploded onto the scene as a rookie but was never able to replicate that kind of success over the final three years of his contract. Pittsburgh went on to decline Harris’ fifth-year option, which set him up for free agency this offseason.
Seeing as how Harris wasn’t anything special during his days with the Steelers, the team should not be intent on paying him any semblance of significant money and should look to replace him with a cheaper option it can pair with Jaylen Warren.
One player to keep an eye on is Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb, who is someone the Steelers reportedly have interest in, according to Jeff Hathhorn of 93.7 The Fan.
“I’ll throw out a name of someone I know they’re interested in, and at least talking to. The medicals would have to play out, and obviously, it would be a decision, but Nick Chubb is someone they would consider,” Hathhorn said. “We’re talking about probably a one-year deal, a prove-it deal, an opportunity to get back on your feet. But there is interest.”
Once considered one of the best running backs in the NFL, Chubb’s career has hit the skids in recent years thanks to injury. His 2023 campaign ended early due to a major knee injury, and he appeared in eight games in 2024 after recovering from the injury before he suffered a broken foot in Week 15.
When he was on the field last season, Chubb did not look like the same running back he once was, which is especially concerning with him set to turn 30 this year. However, it’s hard to completely judge him because he was in his first season back from a major knee injury and had a terrible situation around him.
Even still, the Steelers should not be in the business of finding out if his struggles were indeed a result of the factors we just mentioned. Pittsburgh desperately needs to land a more explosive option at the position to boost a boring offense and there’s a good chance Chubb won’t check that box at this stage of his career.
The only attractive thing about Chubb will be his price. Spotrac estimates the four-time Pro Bowler will receive a one-year deal worth $3.2 million. That sounds right for an aging running back who is coming off two significant injuries.
If the Steelers do sign Chubb to replace Harris, it better be on a one-year deal and they better be dead set on adding a running back in the 2025 NFL Draft, as Chubb is far from a guarantee to give Pittsburgh the boost it needs in the ground game.
Ultimately, the Steelers should not make this move, but we could see head coach Mike Tomlin falling in love with the idea of adding Chubb and ignoring the red flags that he comes with.
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