Steelers' Najee Harris 'advocating' for more respect, better pay for running back position

Saquon Barkley has an ally in Najee Harris.

Harris is under contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers and not in a position to hold out like Barkley, the New York Giants star running back and Penn State product who isn’t attending minicamp while trying to negotiate a long-term contract.

Still, Harris agrees with Barkley that the running back position is undervalued and underappreciated by NFL teams.

Barkley is the latest running back to speak out on the topic, and his holdout is taking place a few days after the Minnesota Vikings released Dalvin Cook to clear $9 million in salary-cap space.

“I’m advocating and joining them,” Harris said Tuesday after the first day of minicamp. “I agree pretty much with what those guys are saying.”

The Giants placed a franchise tag valued at $10.1 million on Barkley in March. The two sides have until mid-July to work out a long-term deal. Because he hasn’t signed his contract, Barkley isn’t required to attend minicamp, which is mandatory for players under contract.

The Steelers went through the dance in the 2017-18 offseasons with running back Le’Veon Bell. He sat out training camp both years and then missed the entire 2018 season while holding out. The franchise tag value for running backs in 2017 was $12 million, and Bell held out rather than accept the second-year tag value of $14.5 million in 2018.

Since then, the tag value for running backs has dropped while increasing at most other positions.

Kickers and punters are the only positions that carry a lesser franchise tag value than running backs. Tight end is the only other position with a value of less than $14 million.

“Show a little more appreciation because it’s a tough position,” Harris said. “What we go through, it’s probably one of the roughest positions.”

Harris, the Steelers’ first-round pick in 2021, is playing on a rookie contract that is worth $13 million over four seasons. The Steelers also hold a fifth-year option on his contract for the 2025 season.

“They say if you want to get paid, don’t be a running back,” Harris said. “The position is an art to me. I’ve always loved the position. You can do so much. It’s almost like you’re a queen in chess because you can do a lot of things: line up out wide, run the ball, protection. You can be implemented in the offense so much.

“For them to say it’s a position that is not as valued is kind of crazy.”

Harris empathizes with Cook, who was released after his sixth season in Minnesota at age 27. Cook has exceeded 1,000 yards rushing in each of the past four seasons, making the Pro Bowl each time.

“It’s eye-opening to me,” Harris said.

Harris led the NFL in touches as a rookie and ranked sixth last season. He exceeded 300 touches in each season. Such contact tends to shorten the shelf life of a running back, which gives them limited earning potential during their NFL careers.

“You can’t stop time,” Harris said. “I can’t do anything about that. All I can do is take care of my body and show them I’m available. All running backs can do is show that the best ability is availability. It’s me showing I’m still who I said I was when I first got here.

“But you can’t stop age. They think when you turn a certain age, it’s over with, and that’s crazy.”