The Los Angeles Chargers’ decision to sign running back Najee Harris to a reported one-year, $9.25 million contract raised some initial questions. However, the intricacies of the deal have since been revealed, providing a clearer understanding of the Chargers’ strategy.
Los Angeles Chargers, Najee Harris Contract Details
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Harris’s contract includes a $3.75 million signing bonus and a fully guaranteed $1.5 million base salary. The remaining $4 million is tied to rushing yards incentives. This means the Chargers have committed to a $5.25 million base salary, with the potential for it to increase to $9.25 million based on Harris’s performance.
This contract structure offers excellent value for Harris, who has consistently rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his professional seasons. He is expected to thrive in Greg Roman’s offensive scheme, particularly with Justin Herbert leading the offense.
In comparison, the Chargers’ previous running back acquisitions included J.K. Dobbins on a one-year, $1.6 million “prove-it” deal and Gus Edwards on a two-year, $6.5 million contract, who was later released. The Chargers’ willingness to invest more in Harris reflects their confidence in his abilities and potential impact.
The structure of Harris’s contract is a smart move by the Chargers. It secures his services for one season, with the potential for significant financial upside if he performs exceptionally well. If Harris reaches the $9.25 million threshold, it will likely indicate a highly productive season for the Chargers’ offense, potentially leading to playoff contention.
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