Najee Harris’ agent fires back at report about contract demand

Sep 19, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) warms up before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The agent for Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris fired back at a recent claim about the running back’s contract demands and happiness with the organization.

93.7 The Fan radio host Paul Zeise recently claimed that Harris asked the Steelers to decline his fifth-year option, citing a desire to play elsewhere. Zeise added that his source was the same one that correctly predicted that the Steelers would trade for quarterback Justin Fields.

The claim was enough to elicit a response from Doug Hendrickson, Harris’ agent. Hendrickson called out Zeise on X, calling Zeise’s alleged source a “joke” and suggesting he “find a real source” in the future.

Harris may not have made such a demand, and even if he did, it would have been odd for the Steelers to accommodate it. They may well have their own reasons for the surprising decision to pass on picking up Harris’ option. Even if not, it is not in Harris’ best interests for such a report to be widely accepted as true.

Harris remained productive in 2024, tallying 1,035 yards and eight touchdowns on 255 attempts. However, he has lost some work to Jaylen Warren, and may envision himself getting more opportunities elsewhere. He may well have the opportunity after the 2024 season.