Los Angeles, California – The Los Angeles Chargers, under the leadership of coach Jim Harbaugh, place a strong emphasis on the running game. It comes as no surprise that the team is now eyeing the top free-agent running back in the league.
According to sources from NFL Media, the Chargers are actively pursuing Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris with hopes of reaching a deal. A first-round draft pick in 2021, Harris boasts an impressive track record of never missing a game and achieving four consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons.
Despite his consistency, Harris carries a career rushing average of 3.9 yards per carry and may lack the explosive burst seen in the Steelers’ other top running back, Jaylen Warren, in recent years. Additionally, the Steelers chose not to exercise the fifth-year option on Harris’s rookie contract.
Nevertheless, Harris’s durability on the field holds significant weight. With the Chargers having faced challenges with injured players in recent seasons, a reliable and tough runner like Harris could inject resilience and a winning mentality into the team’s locker room – qualities that Harbaugh and the Chargers value highly.
A notable factor to consider is the personal connection between coach Jim Harbaugh and his brother, Ravens coach John Harbaugh. Having faced Harris and his abilities on multiple occasions in the past four years, Jim’s insight into his brother’s perspective on the talented running back could play a crucial role in the Chargers’ pursuit of Harris.
Last March, the Chargers bolstered their running back corps by signing J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards. However, Edwards is currently out due to injury, and Dobbins has entered free agency, leaving the team with an opportunity to potentially secure a strong and reliable player like Harris to enhance their offensive lineup.