Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris has been the subject of trade rumors since the team declined the fifth-year option on his rookie contract. The Alabama product is scheduled to become a free agent after the 2024 season, and some believe he could be acquired for a fair price. Harris' representatives denied these rumors, but that didn't stop the fine folks at Bleacher Report from speculating about a possible deal. According to the site's Instagram account, the Dallas Cowboys may make a move to acquire the former Pro Bowler.
Najee Harris' agent says rumors that Harris asked to decline his fifth-year option are not true ⬇️ https://t.co/ExtKpErmJy
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) May 9, 2024
Bleacher Report: Dallas Cowboys could trade for Najee Harris
Again, it's important to note that Najee Harris and his agent deny all trade rumors. While he may not sign a second contract with the Steelers, all signs point to him spending the 2024 season in Pittsburgh. Even with this disclaimer aside, it makes perfect sense for the Dallas Cowboys to part ways with the Steelers' leading running back.
With Tony Pollard and several key playmakers leaving in free agency, Jerry Jones promised to go all in and then did nothing. As it stands, the Cowboys have far more players competing for the starting spot than Ezekiel Elliott, Rico Doodle and Deuce Vaughn in their primes. Najee Harris may not be worth the money of a first-round draft pick, but his trade targets are significantly better than those three players. He doesn't have elite top gear, but he's one of the best players in the game at breaking tackles and picking up difficult yards.
If Najee Harris is on the trade block, the Dallas Cowboys won't be the only team interested in acquiring him. He will likely remain with the Steelers in 2024, but if his deal goes through, these five teams could be his destination.
Other landing spots
new york giants
After watching Saquon Barkley lead the offense for the past six seasons, the New York Giants are getting a fresh start in the backfield. Devin Singletary has proven he can play as a starting pitcher for the Houston Texans, but Najee Harris offers more opportunities as a potential trade candidate. Daniel Jones will be playing center for one more season, so the Giants will want to keep the ball out of his hands as much as possible.
Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh wants to win on the ground, but that will be difficult to accomplish with the current roster. Gus Edwards is only a league-average journeyman, and JK Dobbins may never be the same after his Achilles injury. Najee Harris brings the hard-nosed, physical style of play that Harbaugh wanted, and the Chargers may be willing to trade picks to establish an old-school offensive identity.
kansas city chiefs
Isaiah Pacheco has proven he is a capable running back to start, but the former seventh-round pick's depth is significantly weaker. The Chiefs could use more depth, and Najee Harris is a perfect trade target. Harris and Pacheco have similar running styles, but the current Steeler is a more polished receiver and should be able to get more touches in Kansas City's pass-happy offense.
las vegas raiders
Josh Jacobs is in Green Bay, which means Zamir White and Alexander Mattison will be competing for the starting spot. White showed some promise last year, but this team could use an established back to take pressure off the Raiders' dominant quarterback duo. Najee Harris is probably the best running back on the trading block, and his running style perfectly complements the Raider style of football.
buffalo bills
If the Bills were to trade for Najee Harris, they would likely do so to relieve the burden on Josh Allen rather than James Cook. Cook is a reliable running back who thrives in open space, but he's not the type to pick up elusive yards in the middle of the defense. In the past, the Bills have used Josh Allen as a glorified battering ram in those situations, but those hits are starting to add up. Rather than risking the franchise on multiple short-yardage scrambles, Harris could do the short-yardage work and keep Allen fresh throughout the season.
