Najee Harris is trading his black and gold for powder blue and gold as the former Pittsburgh Steelers running back moves to the Los Angeles Chargers on a one-year deal reportedly worth up to $9.25 million, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. The 27-year-old veteran, who has been with the Steelers since being drafted as the No. 24 overall pick from Alabama in 2021, solidifies the Chargers' backfield.
Having delivered consistent performance throughout his career, Harris becomes the top option for the Chargers following the release of Gus Edwards and the uncertain future of J.K. Dobbins, completing his transition to Los Angeles after four seasons marked by reliability and performance.
Harris has made quite the statement since entering the NFL, becoming the first player in Steelers history to compile at least 1,000 rushing yards each season during his first four years. His performance as a rookie, where he racked up 1,667 all-purpose yards and 10 touchdowns, laid the foundation for the expectations of his subsequent seasons.
Despite this success, Harris's performance has drawn some scrutiny, particularly his career average of just 3.9 yards per carry. While he has surpassed the 1,000-yard mark each year, this figure is notable as one of the lower averages among running backs with significant touches. Harris's best statistical year came with his rookie campaign, where he also secured 74 receptions, showcasing his dual-threat capability.
Nick Farabaugh from Penn Live reported prior to the agreement, "Harris would likely earn between $8-10 million on the open market," which the Steelers were unwilling to match as they look to rebuild their backfield for the future.
The Chargers, coming off an impressive 11-6 season where they made the playoffs under head coach Jim Harbaugh, had seen the need to bolster their running game after struggling with their rushing offense, finishing 17th in the league with only 1,882 team rushing yards. Injury and inconsistency plagued their previous running backs, underlining the importance of Harris's signing.
Harris arrives at the Chargers at the beginning of their offseason preparations, with team decisions around their running back position already confirmed by the release of Edwards and Dobbins hitting free agency. The team aims to build around their star quarterback Justin Herbert, who has shown flashes of brilliance yet faced challenges due to the lack of explosive running options. Harris's arrival could potentially alleviate some of Herbert's pressure.
Last season, Harris recorded 1,043 rushing yards and six touchdowns with the Steelers, illustrating his ability to churn through defensive lines effectively when provided opportunities. He also excelled last year with three games exceeding 100 rushing yards. His durability remains exceptional, as Harris has never missed a game throughout his NFL career, displaying remarkable resilience over his professional span.
While some concerns linger about his explosiveness on the field, where his physical style of play compensates for speed, this trade for Harris could represent the Chargers' commitment to improving their offensive strategy, potentially sparking interest among fans and analysts alike.
Harris will form the new look Chargers' backfield alongside Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal, newly positioned after the loss of Dobbins and Edwards, reinforcing his role as their leading back. It remains to be seen whether the Chargers will complement Harris with another dynamic option from the incoming draft.
Graphic statistics from his career include: 2021 — 1,200 yards, 7 touchdowns; 2022 — 1,034 yards, 7 touchdowns; 2023 — 1,035 yards, 8 touchdowns; and 2024 — 1,043 yards, 6 touchdowns. He averaged around 3.9 to 4.1 yards per carry over his seasons but solidified his utility within the passing game as well.
Najee Harris's contract was part of the changes sweeping through the Chargers as they remodel their offensive strategy moving forward, setting the tone for what fans can expect as the NFL resumes activities.
Now, with Harris on board, the Chargers are hoping he will not only improve their game but also maintain the high standards he established during his tenure with the Steelers.