One way or another, the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025 will have a new workhorse running back for the first time in four years.
Najee Harris reportedly agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers late during the day of the opening of the so-called “legal tampering period” of NFL free agency Monday. According to ESPN, the contract is for one year and “up to” $9.25 million.
Harris had at least 1,000 rushing yards during each of his four seasons with the Steelers after being drafted 24th overall in 2021. He did not miss a game in that time, starting all 71 (including playoffs). But Harris averaged a mere 3.9 yards per carry during his Steelers career, and his usage fell from 84% of the offensive snaps as a rookie to 50% this past season as the Steelers turned to Jaylen Warren as their third-down back.
Last May, the Steelers declined a fifth-year option for Harris for 2025 that would have paid him $6.7 million. The market for running backs salaries has inflated over the past two offseasons, fueled in part by Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry making immediate impacts with new teams after signing as free agents.
Coached by Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers are thought to covet a bruising style that the 242-pound Harris embodies. But Harris’ lack of breakaway speed was exhibited by the fact that none of his 1,277 NFL touches has netted more than 37 yards. And Harris’ deployment in the passing game fell from 74 catches as a rookie to 29 and 36, respectively, the past two seasons.
Earlier Monday, the Steelers announced they had tendered Warren a $5.35 million contract. That effectively assured he will not sign elsewhere because, as a second-round restricted free agent tender, the Steelers retain the right to match any offer and would receive a second-round pick from any team that signs him if they do not match it.
The Steelers are expected to add a veteran running back in free agency and likely also select a running back at some point in next month’s draft. It is considered a deep crop of prospects at the position this year.
The first running back taken in the draft four years ago, Harris finishes his Steelers career the franchise’s sixth all-time leading rusher with 4,312 yards. His 28 rushing touchdowns rank seventh for the franchise.
