The Los Angeles Chargers have secured Najee Harris, fulfilling their rumored interest in the running back. After four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Harris is set to join the Chargers on a one-year contract. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the deal is worth up to $9.5 million. This move comes as the Chargers reshape their running back roster, having released Gus Edwards and not re-signing J.K. Dobbins. Harris, who started every game for the Steelers since 2021, will now assume a leading role in the Chargers’ backfield.
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This agreement follows the Steelers’ decision to place a second-round restricted free-agent tender on Jaylen Warren, making a potential acquisition of Warren more challenging. While the Steelers were not reportedly opposed to retaining Harris, their decision not to exercise his fifth-year option in 2024 suggested a possible parting of ways in 2025.
A 2021 first-round pick from the University of Alabama, Harris has demonstrated remarkable durability, starting every game of his NFL career despite playing through injuries. After a 1,200-yard rookie season, he consistently recorded over 1,000 rushing yards in each subsequent year, finishing with 1,034, 1,035, and 1,043 yards, respectively. While his consistency is undeniable, his running style has been described as less flashy. According to Next Gen Stats, his rush yards over expected were in the bottom third in 2022 and 2024, although he received a more favorable rating in 2023.
Harris, 27, possesses a skillset that aligns with Jim Harbaugh’s coaching philosophy. The Chargers, who previously sought a power back in Gus Edwards, are now poised to utilize Harris in their newly run-oriented offense. However, the one-year nature of Harris’s contract raises questions about his long-term value. Having already accumulated 1,097 carries, he is expected to add at least 200 more with the Chargers, potentially impacting his marketability in 2025.
Despite these concerns, recent free agency trends have shown teams willing to invest in veteran running backs. Successful seasons led to contract extensions for Saquon Barkley and substantial raises for Aaron Jones. Derrick Henry, an exceptional talent, also positioned himself for a significant pay increase with the Baltimore Ravens after a 1,900-yard rushing season. Harris’s inability to secure a long-term deal now, despite his durability and consistency, may indicate potential challenges for his post-2025 earning potential.
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