The Chargers opted to go the cheap route at the running back position last offseason. It came back to bite them at times throughout the 2024 campaign, most notably when J.K. Dobbins went down with an injury.
They lacked both the top-end talent as well as the overall depth at the position. With Dobbins set to hit free agency, running back will be a top need for Los Angeles this offseason.
Insert Steelers tailback Najee Harris into the equation. After four seasons in Pittsburgh, he is set to become a free agent this offseason. The Steelers declined the former __ overall pick’s fifth-year option last offseason.
There’s a possibility that he returns to the Steel City, but he will at least test the open market. Somewhat under the radar, Harris has racked up 1,000+ rushing yards in each of his four career seasons. In total, he has 4,312 career rushing yards with 28 touchdowns and a mediocre 3.9 yards per carry.
That last part is concerning, as he has never topped 4.1 yards per run in a season. In fact, the longest run of his career is just 37 yards. Harris lacks the high-end speed that is a vital component of breaking off large runs.
He would run behind a better offensive line in Los Angeles, but that lack of a big-play threat is risky. On the flip side, there are still things to like about the Alabama product.
Harris has played in and started all 68 career regular season games. That’s right, he hasn’t missed a single game in his career. He would provide a bit of an upgrade in the passing game as well, as he has 180 career catches for 1,149 receiving yards and six touchdowns.
Harris wouldn’t command the money that other top-notch running backs land, as he’s projected to get somewhere in between $7-$9 million per year. At this point in his career, he has a safe floor but his ceiling isn’t overly high.
If the Chargers got him for a decent deal, Harris wouldn’t be a bad addition to the team. They would have to get a complementary, quicker back though, such as how the Steelers did with Jaylen Warren. One thing is clear: Jim Harbaugh would love Harris’ physical running style.