Najee has been at least as good as Derrick Henry

True, it can be. Is it truly progress, or a small sample size of games that he just happened to run a bit different for no apparent reason? That is the question and only time will tell. He's had a couple games here and there where he has run like this before and he ultimately reverts back to the "other style". Let's hope this play style is here to stay for Najee.

 

I'd be fine signing him to an extension that takes him through his 5th year option and the year after (much like Chubb's length of deal, signing a 3 year extension in his 4th year) but the price would have to be right. I couldn't justify giving him much more than 6-7 million a year. Najee is a fine player, but we can get the same level of production at a lower rate and RB is not a position you want to be overpaying in today's NFL.

 

Of course, it isn't real progress if he regresses.

 

Agreed, but I doubt he is going to be reasonable in his contract negotiations given the public stance he has taken regarding running back contracts.

 

Then your plan of 5th year option and then move on seems like the best plan.

 

This will be front and center right after the draft when they have to make a decision on the 5th year option and the opinions will fly

And I see him being LB.2 regarding any potential contract offer or accepting the 5th year option