The Pittsburgh Steelers are about to embark on a critical couple of months. Free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft should give the fan base a better idea of what to expect out of the Steelers once the regular season rolls around, and whether or not anything will be different moving forward. There will also be some familiar faces playing elsewhere in 2025, with one of those likely being running back Najee Harris. Harris was Pittsburgh's first-round pick in 2021, and he has never quite lived up to that label. He has been an impressive back at times, but seemingly not enough for Pittsburgh to give him a second contract.
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Steelers' Najee Harris fumbles the football during a loss to the Eagles during the 2024 season.
Harris has notably ran for over 1,000 yards in each of his first four seasons in the NFL, which is impressive. His durability at running back is also a rarity as the back has never missed a game for Pittsburgh. Despite all of this, the Steelers are expected to let Harris walk in free agency. The team can replace his production with Jaylen Warren or a rookie selected later on in the 2025 NFL Draft, which would both be cheaper options.
In a recent article published by ESPN and Eric Moody, Harris is projected to leave the Steelers in free agency and sign with the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers will need a running back, and Harris is originally from the West Coast.
"Running back Najee Harris will sign with the Chargers," Moody wrote. "[JK] Dobbins had a productive 2024 season with the Chargers, but his injury history remains a concern as he enters free agency. Harris would be an intriguing addition to the run-heavy Chargers offense, especially since Coach Jim Harbaugh nearly landed him at Michigan when he was a five-star recruit."
It would be completely understandable if Harris wanted to get back to California, and it would make sense if he did so with the Chargers. Head Coach Jim Harbaugh likes to run the ball, and no one has been able to carry the ball as much as Harris without getting injured. He is the perfect back for a team coached by Harbaugh.
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Steelers' Najee Harris high fives fans after a big home win at Acrisure Stadium in 2024.
Moody also mentions that Harris has a pre-existing relationship with Harbaugh. Harbaugh was a college coach for a long time and he coached at Michigan from 2015 through 2023. Harris graduated high school in 2016, and Harbaugh recruited the back heavily. He was one of the most highly-touted recruits in the country, but he wound up deciding to go to Alabama.
Even though Harris opted out of going to Michigan, he and Harbaugh likely got close throughout the recruiting process. The Chargers are expected to let their leading rusher from the 2024 season, JK Dobbins, leave in free agency and Harris should be considered a quality replacement. Harris has other spots around the league that could be considered a good fit too, including the Dallas Cowboys and the Denver Broncos.
Steelers Could Still Get Najee Harris Back In 2025
There is still a slim chance that Harris will come back to Pittsburgh in 2025, assuming the price is right. Harris' current market value is roughly $9 million, but that number could go down due to the impressive running back class entering the 2025 NFL Draft. The free agent market is going to take a while to get signed due to all the talented rookies coming into the league, which could lead Harris right back to Pittsburgh on a deal that doesn't break the bank.
AP photo
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin and running back, Najee Harris after a win in Pittsburgh, PA.
The Steelers do not need Harris going forward, so it is more probable that he ends up elsewhere. With a change of scenery and a better offense, Harris might finally be able to live up to his first-round label.
What do you think of Harris going to the Chargers in free agency? Let us know in the comments below!
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