Steelers GM Khan: Quarterback Salaries Are Having Impact on Running Back Market

The Pittsburgh executive didn’t hesitate when explaining the reason behind salary cuts for running backs.

Steelers running back Najee Harris is one of several running backs seeking contract extensions with their respective franchises, but the money doesn’t sound like it’s coming anytime soon.

So what’s to blame for the lack of interest for NFL teams in paying running backs?

For Pittsburgh general manager Omar Khan, the answer is quite simple.

“You don’t have to be a mathematician to figure it out,” Khan told TribLive.com. “But when quarterbacks’ salaries start increasing at the rate that they’re increasing, at some point, it’s going to have a residual effect somewhere on the roster. Every franchise is going to handle things differently. It’s up to every franchise to decide how to build their roster, but eventually, that’s going to have an effect when the quarterback salaries are growing at a rate higher than what the cap is. I get it, There are ways to get around whatever the top cap number is, but it’s just going to have a natural effect.”

Harris has been vocal in his displeasure about running back contracts across the league, firmly understanding that both he and his counterparts at the position aren’t getting the pay days they expected.

“You know what [front offices] are trying to do,” he said. “You’re trying to utilize as much of us as you can out of us for cheap. And then they’ll get another [younger] back and try to do the same thing again. That’s the trend that’s happening right now.”

Despite Harris’s displeasure with his contract situation, Khan still sees great value in his franchise running back. 

“I have not talked to Najee specifically about that,” Khan said. “We talk all the time. I see him every day. We just have a normal conversation like always. We’re all family in this organization. But I have not talked to him specifically about that. He’s a great Steeler. He’s a great person, a great teammate. He’s great in our building.”

It will be interesting to see if Harris will get the pay day he longs for in the near future, but there’s no question he’s one of the league’s top young running backs.

In two seasons in the NFL, Harris has rushed for 2,234 yards and 14 touchdowns.