The Pittsburgh Steelers have declined the fifth-year options for running back Najee Harris and quarterback Justin Fields, making them eligible for free agency after the 2024 season, Joe Rutter of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

Harris was scheduled to earn $6.97 million in 2025 had the Steelers exercised his option. Fields, who was acquired from the Chicago Bears in March, had an option worth $25.644 million.

NFL teams had until 4 p.m. Thursday to make their decision on fifth-year options for players picked in the first round of the 2021 draft.

The organization wants to see how Harris performs in the offense of first-year offensive coordinator Arthur Smith before attempting to sign him to another contract. Harris is expected to share the running back duties with Jaylen Warren, whose role increased in 2023.

While the hefty price tag scared the Steelers away from picking up Fields’ option, the number allocated for Harris was more reasonable. Running backs had the lowest fifth-year option amounts of any position.

Harris and Fields will enter the final season of their contracts. Harris will earn $2.439 million in base salary this year, and Fields will earn $1.6 million in the deal he signed when he was selected by the Bears with the No. 11 overall pick that year. Harris was taken by the Steelers with the No. 24 pick.

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