“I have my opinions on things, but I’m just a player. But if you want to elevate and get to where we’re at, there’s got to be some in-house things that need to change.” Last year after losing the wildcard round, a star running back dropped some harsh realities of Mike Tomlin’s Pittsburgh Steelers.

Despite being a crucial part of the Steel City’s offense, a 26-year-old star kept his struggles private. Why? Because he felt he didn’t have the power to speak out against the Steelers’s system. Now, a year later, he finds himself in conflict with the team, once again, this time over contract negotiations. We’re talking about RB Najee Harris, who enters free agency this offseason.

Najee Harris signed a 4 year, $13,047,447 contract with Mike Tomlin’s franchise in 2021. As his rookie contract expired, this first-round pick RB has hit the market as a free agent. And guess what? He has the teams lined up for him outside Pittsburgh. According to NFL Rumors on X, “#Steelers Free Agent Najee Harris has been linked to the #Bears #Chargers and #Raiders.”

No doubt, Harris is hitting the market in a perfect situation where the NFL has seen several RBs getting big-money moves. We all know that this Alabama product is explosive, and a big-size man who can help in the team’s offense. In addition, his talent can also be visible with proof – he is the only player with 1,000 yards rushing in each of the last four years. Isn’t it massive and interesting?

Adding more to it, NFL writer Garrett Podell also puts it: “Harris is a durable runner, starting every one of his possible 68 games played during his career, and he doesn’t go down easy: his 80 tackles avoided in 2024 were tied for the fifth-most in the entire league.” The player had 263 carries this term and around 1043 rushing yards. He also earned 36 receptions and became one of the crucial players on the team.

Due to all these, Harris will be a great help to the teams’s offense who are eager to welcome him. In this line, the Chiefs are also not behind as they are looking for a strong offensive season this time.

So on one hand, Mike Tomlin is likely parting ways with Harris after Pittsburgh declined his fifth-year option last spring. On the other hand, they are eyeing a player who can solve their quarterback situation.

Mike Tomlin isn’t satisfied with the two QBs in hand?

It seems the Steelers are over with the Russell Wilson–Justin Fields QB competition. Although either looks like a logical fit for Mike Tomlin’s team, it might be over for anyone or both of them. As per several reports, Wilson and Fields aren’t considered the future of Tomlin’s roster. And it is just getting messy. Why? It’s because as per the latest reports, the Steel City’s head coach might now be interested in Matthew Stafford. Another QB on the run?

Stafford is likely to be released by the Rams this offseason. As the veteran player is seeking $50 million, the money might not become a barrier for the Steelers. It came under the limelight when Albert Breer mentioned in a column, “The teams you’d suspect would have their hat in the ring have, indeed, thrown their hats in the ring. The New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Las Vegas Raiders, and others have shown interest.”

However, out of all these, Mike Tomlin’s team would be wise to entertain this idea.

Last season, Stafford turned the Rams’s season around and nearly took them to the NFC Championship. He threw for over 3,700 yards and 20 touchdowns in 16 starts. When the pressure was on in the playoffs, he delivered four touchdowns without any interceptions. So, he is definitely a great choice. But landing him won’t be cheap either.

The Rams reportedly want a first-round pick, and Najee Harris could solve this problem for Mike Tomlin. However, any team trading for him must take the QB’s hefty contract. Time is running out. The Steelers can’t sit around waiting, and neither can the Rams.

They must do it fast if they move on from Stafford to Fields or Wilson.