The Pittsburgh Steelers face several crucial decisions heading into the 2025 offseason. While the quarterback saga between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields will undoubtedly dominate headlines, another position that has fans on edge is running back. Najee Harris, the Steelers’ first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, entered the league with high expectations and showed promise early in his career.
However, after four seasons, many fans believe Harris hasn’t done enough to secure a long-term contract in Pittsburgh. Adding to the uncertainty, the Steelers must also decide on Jaylen Warren’s future, making the running back room a major area of focus this offseason. Many fans expect the Steelers to bring back Warren and select a running back in the 2025 NFL Draft, which is widely regarded as a deep class loaded with NFL-ready talent.
If the Steelers choose to move on from Harris, drafting his replacement would be a cost-effective move that aligns with the team's long-term financial strategy. Several draft analysts have praised the group's depth, making it a logical path forward for Pittsburgh. However, Steelers media personality Andrew Fillipponi has reported a new rumor that could throw a wrench into those expectations—and it’s one that likely won’t sit well with Steeler Nation.
"One thing I am hearing about the Steelers going into the combine and I don’t think people are going to love this. I certainly don’t," Fillipponi said. "I think the Steelers are more interested in signing a running back than drafting one."
The Steelers have ample cap space available, giving them the financial flexibility to sign a veteran running back on a team-friendly deal.
One potential option is bringing back Harris, but another intriguing possibility is Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb.
"From what I am hearing. One of the things that came out of the offseason attack meetings, offseason planning meetings is that they would like to get another veteran running back on the roster," Fillipponi said. "That could be Najee Harris coming back… it could also mean Nick Chubb."
If this new rumor holds any truth, it would likely be an unpopular choice among the fan base. Drafting an NFL-ready running back is likely to be both cheaper and less risky than spending on one in free agency.
While Saquon Barkley’s move to the Philadelphia Eagles is a rare example of a high-priced running back paying off, there isn’t a Barkley-level talent available in the 2025 free agency class; and the Steelers are more than just a star running back away from contending for Super Bowls.
Steelers Could Sign Browns' Nick Chubb
Chubb is an intriguing option, especially considering his projected market value is just $3.3 million, according to Spotrac. However, he’s coming off his first season back from a major injury and didn’t look like his former self. Still, with more time to recover, Chubb could have something left in the tank.
When healthy, he was a dominant force for the Browns, but the big question is whether his prime years are behind him. If Chubb can regain even a portion of his previous form, signing him at that price could be a tempting option for Mike Tomlin and the Steelers’ front office.
Steelers fans will be keeping a close eye on the NFL Combine as the team prepares for a pivotal offseason. With plenty of cap space and several positions in need of upgrades, it will be fascinating to see how the Steelers approach the draft, free agency, and potential trades. This latest rumor only adds to the intrigue surrounding Pittsburgh’s 2025 offseason plans.
