Once a beacon of hope within the Pittsburgh Steelers organization, Najee Harris is now making headlines as he embarks on a new chapter with the Los Angeles Chargers. Having signed a one-year deal with the Chargers, Harris is candid about his tumultuous experience with the Steelers, particularly concerning the offense’s profound struggles in recent years.
In a revealing interview with Chris Hayre from KCAL9 News, Harris did not mince words when expressing his frustrations, stating, "We just didn’t know anything on offense really. We didn’t have any identity. We had a young guy coming in at QB. I really didn’t have nobody to almost learn from on the offensive side." This frank admission provides insight into the chaotic backstory of a franchise that has floundered since the retirement of longtime quarterback Ben Roethlisberger after the 2021 season.
During his rookie season, it was clear that the Steelers were at a crossroads, grappling with the transition from their veteran quarterback to a new era led by Kenny Pickett, who started 12 games in 2022. However, Harris’s experience revealed a lack of guidance and leadership within the team, which greatly affected its performance on the field.
Despite being drafted by the Steelers as a first-round pick in 2021, Harris’s time in Pittsburgh was marked by instability. Following Roethlisberger’s departure, the Steelers seemed to lack a coherent plan. Harris’s comments have been interpreted as a veiled criticism of head coach Mike Tomlin and his inability to devise a successful offensive strategy during this transitional phase.
"The Steelers offense has been stuck in neutral for years, and the only constant during the stretch is Tomlin," suggested an unnamed source, highlighting the persistent challenges the team faced. Given that the franchise has not won a playoff game since 2017, the repercussions of this disarray are becoming harder to ignore.
Harris’s observations reflect a broader narrative within the Steelers organization—frustration has been palpable among players. Incidents of player discontent, including sideline outbursts and altercations in practice, have raised eyebrows and fueled speculation about Tomlin's future as head coach.
Harris further lamented the support system—or lack thereof—within the Steelers, stating that reaching out to more experienced players on the offensive side was futile: "I think the veteran guy on that team was a two, three-year vet. He’s still learning himself. I’m coming in and I’m just trying to look for people to pick their brain, and it was just defensive guys. So I’d go to the defensive guys and talk to them, but there wasn’t much they could tell me about offense."
This admission paints a troubling picture of a team desperately needing veteran leadership, particularly in crucial offensive roles. Had there been a seasoned mentor to steer Harris and other young players, perhaps the narrative surrounding the Steelers might have been entirely different.
With Harris now joining the Chargers, there’s a sense of renewed hope for his professional trajectory. Fans and analysts alike hope that this move gives him a fresh start, lifting him from the constraints of what many perceive to be a dysfunctional tenure in Pittsburgh. Yet, the implications of his comments are likely to resonate within the Steelers locker room and the organization itself as the 2025 season approaches.
The 2024 season ended with the Steelers performing below expectations, finishing with a 9-8 record and missing the playoffs. As they gear up for the upcoming season, any slow start will undoubtedly add pressure on Tomlin, whose seat is looking increasingly warm. With Harris’s exit and critical remarks echoing in the locker room, fans are left wondering if the Steelers can right the ship or if they’ll descend further into mediocrity.
Ultimately, the pressure lies not only on Tomlin but also on the Steelers organization as a whole to cultivate an environment where players can thrive, learn, and succeed on offense. If changes aren't made, the fate of the franchise, marked by decades of stellar performances, may hang in the balance.
