The Los Angeles Chargers had a promising year under head coach Jim Harbaugh. He came in and immediately changed the culture of the program, getting the team back to the playoffs. The offensive mindset was clear: run the ball. Harbaugh wants to grind his opponents down and then use play-action and Justin Herbert’s strong arm to pick up a chunk of yards. Last year, they had the oft-injured JK Dobbins and journeyman Gus Edwards in the backfield. Reports have indicated the team wants to upgrade the position, and they found their man late Monday night. Former Steelers running back Najee Harris has signed a one-year deal with the team.
Los Angeles Chargers Sign Najee Harris
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports it is a one-year deal worth up to $9.25 million. The former Alabama running back was taken 24th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. In his four years, he has put up impressive stats. Harris has rushed for over 1,000 yards every year and has a total of 28 rushing touchdowns in his career. Additionally, he has caught 180 passes for 1,149 yards and six touchdowns. The Los Angeles Chargers immediately upgraded their backfield.
Why did the Steelers want to get rid of him? There are a couple of reasons. One, the advanced stats on Harris haven’t always been good. Two, teams have not wanted to pay running backs big money in recent years. While that trend is starting to change, Pittsburgh likely didn’t want to commit long-term to a player they have been lukewarm on at best. The Los Angeles Chargers were happy to be the beneficiaries.
2025 Outlook
Being in a division with the Kansas City Chiefs is not fun right now. Having to go up against Patrick Mahomes twice a year is not ideal. However, the Chargers have the pieces to give the defending AFC champions a run for their money. Ladd McConkey had one of the best rookie seasons in franchise history, and Herbert has elite potential. Defensively, Jesse Minter was able to drastically improve that side of the ball, something former head coach Brandon Staley could not do.
Harris is a big, bruising back who will have a good offensive line to run behind. Part of his struggles in Pittsburgh were often attributed to subpar offensive line play. This is a good signing for what this team is trying to do. The Chargers have made some quality moves on the first day of free agency and the hope is they can continue to retool this roster and take down the Chiefs in their division in 2025.
