27-Year-Old Running Back May Not Have Long with the Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers signed running back Najee Harris just four months ago to a one-year contract. This deal would be worth up to $9.25 million, making Harris the new starting running back in Los Angeles for 2025. Harris has spent all four years of his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he has rushed for over 1,000 yards and six or more touchdowns each season. Despite the impressive resume, the Steelers would decide not to pick up his fifth-year option. This would come as a surprise, considering Harris would be producing consistently each year. In the end, the Steelers could not agree to the increase in money Harris wanted for an extension. Now that he has joined the Chargers, the new pairing may not last as long as fans think.
Just weeks after minicamp ended, Harris’s name was already being discussed in trade talks. He was recently added to Bleacher Report’s trade block big board, insisting that Harris is not viewed as a long-term piece in L.A. The Chargers would also draft running back Omarion Hampton with their 22nd overall pick this year, already providing the team another back that could take over the starting position. The team would also be able to save quite a bit of money, going with its newly drafted player over a fifth-year Harris, who is looking for better pay. With the possibility of Harris being shopped around the league, where could he end up?
The Dallas Cowboys have been a team linked with Harris as a possible suitor for the veteran running back. The Cowboys aren’t typically known to rely on their rushing attack in recent seasons, as they have a strong passing attack with quarterback Dak Prescott. However, with an NFC East that is looking like it’s going to be very competitive this season, adding another strong player to the offense could be more than helpful for the Cowboys. Harris would more than likely take over the starting position, ensuring himself as an important long-term piece on another team. The situation with the Chargers and Harris will be one to monitor, as it’s unclear if the new connection will last even for Week One.
