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Steelers-Colts Trade Proposal: Pittsburgh Sends Najee Harris to Indianapolis in Salary-Driven Move

NFL access_alarms2025-05-26 08:13:48 visibility8 text_decrease title text_increase

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Roster Reshuffle in the Making

The Pittsburgh Steelers and NapolisColts-0.html target=_blank class=infotextkey>Indianapolis Colts are circling trade discussions that could redefine both teams' strategies. Recent reports suggest Pittsburgh might trade running back Najee Harris to Indianapolis for draft picks, potentially a 2024 third-round selection. This Salary Cap maneuver would help the Steelers financially while giving the Colts' ground game new teeth under coach Shane Steichen.

Why This Makes Sense

Pittsburgh's refusal to pick up Harris' fifth-year option speaks volumes. With his contract expiring after 2024, the Steelers face tough choices: commit $9M+ annually or lose him for nothing. Trading now clears $3.56M in 2023 cap space - crucial relief for a team currently $1.4M over the limit.

Indianapolis needs backfield Stability. Despite Jonathan Taylor's skills, their 2023 rushing ranked 22nd in yards/game. Harris brings three-down reliability (119 catches, 723 yards since 2021) that could create one of the NFL's most versatile RB tandems.

Steelers-Colts <a href=https://www.ajfpt.com/tags-TradeProposal-0.html target=_blank class=infotextkey>Trade Proposal</a>: Pittsburgh Sends Najee Harris to Indianapolis in Salary-Driven Move

Player Breakdown

The 25-year-old workhorse has delivered 7.4 TDs/year but saw efficiency dip to 3.9 yards/carry in 2023. While some question his fit in wide-zone schemes, Harris' durability (206 carries/year average) and leadership remain valuable assets.

Ripple Effects

For Pittsburgh:

Accelerates Jaylen Warren's promotion (5.1 yards/carry in 2023)
Frees resources for O-line/WR upgrades

For Indianapolis:

Creates dynamic RB rotation preserving Taylor's health
Adds insurance amid Taylor's contract uncertainty

Expert Perspectives

"Colts should push for better than a third-rounder given Harris' Pro Bowl ceiling" - AFC Scout
"Steelers' cap crunch limits bargaining power" - NFL Cap Analyst

The Bottom Line

This potential trade reflects modern NFL realities: running back value depreciation meets creative cap management. While risky for both sides, it offers Pittsburgh fiscal flexibility and gives Indianapolis offensive weapons to maximize Anthony Richardson's development.