In four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Najee Harris ran for at least 1,000 yards every season, climbed to sixth in rushing yards on the franchise’s career list and became the 10th player in NFL history with at least 4,300 rushing yards and 180 receptions in his first four years.
But the Steelers didn’t seem overly interested in retaining the former Alabama running back as he approached free agency in March. Pittsburgh already had passed on the chance to sign Harris for the 2025 season for $6.79 million when it declined its team option on his contract last offseason.
Harris landed with the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency.
“I’m kind of blown away,” Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman said about Harris on Wednesday. “Just his energy – the positive energy he brings. And then watching him move on the field. His suddenness – for a guy that big to be able to get in and out of things as quick as he does. I’ve watched him from afar and like, man, he’s a darn good player. But seeing him up close and personal and getting to know him, we’re excited to have him. He’s kind of blown me away in every sense.”
Harris joined the Chargers in free agency for a one-year, fully guaranteed $5.25 million contract. That puts Harris at No. 18 on the NFL’s running-back pay chart for the 2025 season. But for the total value of his contract, Harris ranks 41st among the NFL’s running backs.
Los Angeles overhauled its running-backs depth chart this offseason. J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards are no longer with the Chargers after running for 905 yards and 365 yards, respectively, to lead the team in 2024.
After signing Harris, the Chargers chose North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton in the first round of the NFL Draft on April 24.
“Our running game last year was timely at times,” Roman said. “I think we hit some really big runs and situationally we were pretty good at times. Overall, though, it’s not what we want. It’s not the level that we want, and we knew that every step of the way. But we’re always working to get it there.
“How this group comes together, how they work, how they buy in, how they commit to that style of play, to that mentality, we’re going to have to wait and see how that all comes together. But I think we really helped ourselves in some areas there.”
Los Angeles has three days of practice remaining in its offseason program this week before breaking for the summer. The Chargers are scheduled to report for training camp on July 16. Los Angeles is playing in the first preseason game of 2025 when it faces the Detroit Lions on July 31 in the Hall of Fame Game.
Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at @AMarkG1.