The Pittsburgh Steelers shocked many when they declined to pick up the fifth-year option on running back Najee Harris’ rookie contract. It was especially surprising giving that they are expected to run the ball as much as any team in the NFL, once again, in an Arthur Smith offense that utilizes the run game heavily.

Regardless, it also made it evident that the Steelers aren’t going to pay both Harris and Jaylen Warren, who himself is set to be a restricted free agent in 2025, but Pittsburgh will all but certainly bring back on a new deal.

With Pittsburgh having arguably the best 1-2 punch backfield in football, Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report says he expects the Steelers to trade one of the two running backs to the Kansas City Chiefs.

“It’s no secret the running back position has been devalued,” Ballentine writes. “But if the Chiefs believe that adding another talented back could put them over the top in their quest to threepeat as champions then it would be worth it to them.

“Notable trade targets that could make sense include either of the Pittsburgh Steelers running backs Jaylen Warren and/or Najee Harris. Both are set to become free agents after this season and it’s unlikely the Steelers pay both of them.

If the Steelers struggle early in the season they might be willing to deal one of them to the Chiefs and get something in return.”

Regardless of Harris likely leaving Pittsburgh in 2025, it would be very surprising to see the Steelers send him away before the end of the year. If they are out of the playoff picture by the trade deadline, then yes that would make perfect sense. However, I don’t foresee that being the case.