EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- The identity of Jim Harbaugh's team is that of a running team, so it was no surprise that the team agreed to a contract with former Steelers running back Najee Harris.
Harris's signing won't be official until Wednesday, when the new league year starts.
They agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $9.5 million but the base salary is $5.25 million, according to NFL Network. His addition means they can become the physical running team that Harbaugh wants them to be in his second year.
Two big reasons why Harris was added must be his not missing a start during his four years in the NFL and his productivity, rushing for over 1,000 yards in each of his first four seasons and scoring 28 touchdowns.
Najee Harris, thank you for everything!!!
— The Standard (@TheStandard412) March 11, 2025
Go be great!
@ohthatsNajee22
❤️❤️🙏🏼#NFL #Steelers pic.twitter.com/5wvLrrjo3Y
In the Harbaugh offense, he could improve his stats, especially his 3.9 yards per carry, which must come up against this team.
Now, it being a one-year deal means it is a "prove it deal" for him, and if he has a strong 2025, it could be a big payday for him next season.
His signing also puts into question the future of JK Dobbins, who had a strong 2024, even though he missed four games due to a knee injury. They would feature a formidable duo, but Dobbins, who knows if he would want to split carries.
The addition of Harris again indicates that the Chargers want to keep running the ball, which is a physical running game. Maybe not the player many fans expected, but certainly a chain-moving player, which is important for Harbaugh.
The team announced on Monday that it had signed center Bradley Bozeman and punter JK Scott. The interior of the offensive line struggled, so it will be interesting to see if Bozeman is a starter in week one.
