Najee Harris calls it ‘a joke’ running backs deserve less

Like many running backs yesterday, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Najee Harris was critical of the notions around the NFL that running backs shouldn’t be prioritized when it comes to contract extensions.

Harris was in agreement with Tennessee Titans running back, and fellow former Alabama player, Derrick Henry on the subject.

“I agree with my running back brothers around the NFL – history will show that you need running backs to win,” Harris said on Twitter, “We set the tone every game and run through walls for our team and lead in many ways – this notion that we deserve less is a joke.”

I agree with my running back brothers around the NFL- history will show that you need running backs to win- we set the tone every game and run trough walls for our team and lead in many ways- this notion that we deserve less is a joke. https://t.co/rWJkGIEgmW

— Najee Harris (@ohthatsNajee22) July 17, 2023

On Monday two of the league’s premier running backs Josh Jacob and Saquon Barkley could not reach an extension with their respective teams which caused an uproar online from several players.

The discussion furthered online when ESPN NFL Draft analyst Matt Miller explained his position that NFL teams should avoid long-term contracts with all their running backs and replace them on a consistent basis.

Been saying it for years:

1. Draft a RB
2. Play the RB

…if he's good…

3. Franchise tag the RB ONE TIME

…and then…

1. Draft a RB…

— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) July 17, 2023

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