It’s decision day for the Steelers, who must declare by today whether or not they will pick up the fifth-year options on running back Najee Harris and quarterback Justin Fields. Both were first-round draft picks in 2021, and according to the collective bargaining agreement with the players’ union, a player must either have their fifth-year option picked up before their fourth year, or they will become a free agent at the end of the upcoming season.
If Harris has his option picked up, he would be guaranteed a $6.97 million salary next year. Fields would be guaranteed a $25 million salary in 2025 if his option is picked up. While they’ve not indicated their plans for either player, ESPN reported last week they will decline to pick up the fifth year on Fields.
The Steelers have declined the options on four former number one choices since 2011, when the process began. All were defensive players: Jarvis Jones, Artie Burns, Terrell Edmunds, and Devin Bush.
