While nothing is set in stone right now, Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said that the team plans to deploy a booming 1-2 punch with rookie running back Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris in 2025. True to the Harbaugh mentality, the Bolts plan to line up and run the ball with Hampton and Harris, who are both big and powerful backs. Harbaugh raved about Hampton's ability to break tackles -- According to Pro Football Focus, 2,505 of his career rushing yards at North Carolina came after contact. At No. 22 overall in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft last Thursday, Hampton was a "unanimous" decision for the Chargers. Hampton averaged 5.9 yards per carry in each of his last two seasons with the Tar Heels and was a true workhorse. While his fantasy upside will be limited while sharing the backfield with Harris in 2025, Hampton's long-term fantasy upside in Harbaugh's system has to excite those in dynasty formats.
Apr 28, 2025 11:53 PM EST
According to Los Angeles Chargers reporter Daniel Popper of the Athletic, the team is likely to target a running back in April's 2025 NFL Draft. "The Chargers will be adding an explosive player to this group in the draft to complement Harris, Popper wrote." Perhaps as early as the 22nd pick in the first round." Harris signed a one-year, $5.25 million deal to join Justin Herbert's offense during the first week of free agency, but the depth chart behind him consisting of Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins leaves a lot to be desired. The 2025 NFL Draft class is loaded at the running back spot, and North Carolina's Omarion Hampton or Ohio State's TreVeyon Henderson could fit what L.A. is looking for. While Harris would have immense upside in the Chargers' offense in a workhorse role, he could be related to early-down work depending on if L.A. pulls the trigger on a ball carrier on Day 1 or Day 2. Harris has missed just one game in his NFL career and has rushed for at least 1,000 yards in each of his first four seasons, but his contract value and lack of explosive play-making signals he could be at risk of falling into a committee-back role.
Mar 18, 2025 2:34 PM EST
Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris is expected to sign a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers, sources tell NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Harris, who had four straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons in Pittsburgh in his first four years in the NFL after being the 24th overall pick in 2021 out of Alabama, will now head to the AFC West. J.K. Dobbins, the Chargers leading rusher last year, is an unrestricted free agent, so there's a very good chance Harris will be the Bolts' unquestioned lead back in 2025, depending on what the team does in the draft. Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal are the only other current RBs on the roster at the position. The 27-year-old lost valuable pass-catching work to Jaylen Warren the last two years, so if the Chargers use him as more of a three-down back, his fantasy stock will rise with the move out West.
Mar 10, 2025 9:33 PM EST
The Los Angeles Chargers are pursuing Pittsburgh Steelers impending free-agent running back Najee Harris and are hoping to close a deal with him, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. A deal hasn't been completed yet, but it could if everything goes well. It would be a big addition to L.A.'s backfield, especially since J.K. Dobbins, the team's leading rusher a year ago, is an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal are the only other RBs on the Bolts' roster currently, so if Harris were to sign with the Chargers and Dobbins goes elsewhere, he'd be the unquestioned lead back going into 2025. The former 24th overall pick in 2021 out of Alabama has left fantasy managers wanting more in his four NFL seasons despite rushing for at least 1,000 yards in each of his four seasons. Jaylen Warren has been a thorn in Harris' side the last two years, but a move to L.A. could give Harris more of a bell-cow role.
Mar 10, 2025 9:04 PM EST
Sources told Penn Live's Nick Farabaugh at the NFL Combine last week that the Pittsburgh Steelers are unlikely to re-sign Najee Harris because they will be unwilling to match the $8-10 million per year he's expected to get on the open market. Harris is expected to have a strong market in what is a weak RB class in free agency, and the Las Vegas Raiders could be his biggest suitor. Meanwhile, fellow RB Jaylen Warren is a restricted free agent, but the team has already said they will tender him an offer and there is a desire within the organization to start contract talks with Warren this summer on a long-term extension. Harris, 26, has started all 68 games for the Steelers in his first four seasons in the NFL and has also exceeded 1,000 yards rushing all four years. A move to a team like Vegas with questions at QB could make Harris even less attractive as an RB2 in fantasy, while Warren's stock will improve if Harris leaves.
Mar 4, 2025 5:55 PM EST
ESPN's Brooke Pryor writes that it would be cost prohibitive for the Pittsburgh Steelers to use the franchise tag on impending free-agent running back Najee Harris this year after they declined his fifth-year option a year ago. Additionally, neither quarterbacks Russell Wilson nor Justin Fields is worth the hefty price that would come with a franchise tag for a QB. However, Pittsburgh could consider using the transition tag on Wilson or Fields that would give them the ability to match another team's offer. RB Jaylen Warren will also be a restricted free agent, so the Steelers RB room could look quite different in 2025. Harris has over 1,000 yards rushing in all four of his NFL seasons and has started all 68 games, but he's lacked explosiveness by averaging 3.9 yards per carry on his 1,097 rushing attempts. Still, the Steelers could very well re-sign him, especially if they let Warren walk.
Feb 18, 2025 11:23 AM EST
According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac, there's a strong chance that the Pittsburgh Steelers will re-sign impending free-agent running back Najee Harris this offseason. In addition to Harris being a free agent, RB Jaylen Warren will be a restricted free agent. Harris, a former first-round pick, didn't have his fifth-year option picked up, which many believed was a sign the Steelers would move on when he was eligible for free agency after the 2024 season. Dulac doesn't think Pittsburgh will give Harris a hometown discount, but there's something to be said for the fact that he had four 1,000-yard season with 28 total touchdowns in his four years with the team. He dealt with minor injuries but managed to start all 68 games in his four seasons as well. The 26-year-old is expected to make $9.166 million per year on his next deal.
Feb 7, 2025 12:08 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren will both be free agents in March, and Cordarrelle Patterson has one year left on his two-year deal. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac expects only one of those three RBs to return in 2025. Harris' return could be in jeopardy despite the fact that he's just one of 14 players in NFL history to start their career with four straight 1,000-yard seasons. The writing was on the wall when the team didn't pick up his fifth-year option last spring, and bringing him back on the franchise tag would cost $13.6 million. Dulac suggests the Steelers would prefer to look for a replacement in the NFL draft, which should have a deep class at the position. Warren is a restricted free agent, so he has a greater chance to return. While Harris did have 1,000 yards rushing in 2024, it was the second straight season he went without a TD reception.
Jan 18, 2025 12:20 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris handled six carries for 17 yards and came down with all three of his targets for 41 receiving yards in a Wild Card Round loss to the Baltimore Ravens. The Steelers had very little success on the ground throughout the contest and were forced to lean on the passing game after trailing 21-0 at halftime. Harris contributed in the third quarter as he turned short completions into nine, 21, and 11-yard gains. Although his play this season was not necessarily consistent for fantasy purposes, Harris turned in a fourth-straight campaign with at least 1,000 rushing yards. Because Pittsburgh declined to pick up his fifth-year option in 2024, the 26-year-old will search for a new deal and potentially a new home this offseason.
Jan 12, 2025 12:20 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris averaged 52.5 rushing yards and 15 receiving yards in his two meetings with the Baltimore Ravens this season. He will hope to be more effective against his division rival in the Wild Card Round of the NFL playoffs. The Ravens have been stout against the run all year, surrendering the fewest yards per carry in the league. Additionally, Baltimore is heavily favored at home, so Pittsburgh may be forced to rely on Russell Wilson and the passing game to keep up. Harris has contributed as a receiver throughout his career but will likely cede some opportunities through the air to teammate Jaylen Warren. Fantasy gamers should view Harris as a volume-based RB2 in playoff leagues or DFS contests this weekend.
Jan 9, 2025 10:31 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris handled 12 carries for 36 yards and a touchdown while adding four receptions for 20 yards in a 19-17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Harris briefly exited the contest in the second half to be evaluated for a head injury but was cleared to return. Pittsburgh's offense could not lean on Harris and the ground game on Saturday night while struggling to sustain drives. Still, the 26-year-old salvaged his fantasy performance with some opportunities in the passing game and a one-yard rushing score in the second quarter. It was a successful regular season for Harris, who eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards for a fourth consecutive campaign. Although his opponent is yet to be determined, Harris should offer a solid floor for fantasy managers in playoff leagues or DFS contests next weekend.
Jan 5, 2025 1:41 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris has seen his fantasy production dip over the last three weeks. The main reason is that the Steelers have lost all three games by 14 or more points, meaning game flow has not been in Harris's favor. In addition to that, they faced three top-10 defenses against the run. Last week against the Chiefs, Harris accumulated 81 all-purpose yards, which was his best production since Week 13 against the Cincinnati Bengals. In Week 18, Harris will get another crack at the same Bengals, and fantasy managers can start Harris as a reliable RB2 this week, as the Bengal's defense has been vulnerable against the run in 2024. Harris comes in as RB18 in the latest RotoBaller running back rankings for Week 18.
Jan 3, 2025 11:07 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris handled 13 carries for 74 yards and hauled in two of his four targets for seven yards in a 29-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Harris split backfield work with Jaylen Warren fairly evenly in this one but gained 45 of his rushing yards on Pittsburgh's last possession with the game already out of reach. Warren was much more efficient than Harris throughout the rest of the contest, however. Along with the rest of the Steelers' offense, Harris is in the midst of a rough stretch right now. He will hope to bounce back next week in a showdown with the Cincinnati Bengals, who he performed extremely well against back in Week 13.
Dec 25, 2024 10:27 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris has been quiet as of late and will have to overcome the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 17 to provide value in fantasy championships. The Chiefs have been shutting down the run all season, giving up the fewest rushing yards and fantasy points to opposing running backs as well as the fourth-fewest yards per carry. With George Pickens (hamstring) likely returning to the lineup on Wednesday, Pittsburgh's offense should look much better than it has for the past three weeks, which will put Harris in more favorable situations. Still, he can't be trusted in this matchup. Fantasy managers with other options would be wise to bench Harris or deploy him as a low-end flex option this week.
Dec 24, 2024 12:19 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris rushed for 42 yards on nine carries during Saturday's Week 16 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. He also failed to haul in his only target of the game. The 26-year-old had one of his most efficient games of the season, but it was all for naught as he finished with fewer touches than Jaylen Warren for the first time in 2024. Warren has flashed efficiency and pass-catching upside, and he'll likely lead Pittsburgh's backfield in touches once again next week. Warren should be viewed as a high-end RB3 while Harris is a mid-to-low RB3.
Dec 22, 2024 8:18 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris had his worst showing of the campaign in Week 15 and unfortunately draws another tough challenge against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday. Baltimore has given up just 3.41 yards per carry to opposing backs, the fewest in the NFL. It is worth noting, however, that Harris played well against the Ravens just a few weeks ago. In a Week 11 meeting with his division rival, Harris totaled 93 yards from scrimmage and finished as the RB17 in half-PPR scoring. With George Pickens (hamstring) set to miss a third straight contest, Pittsburgh could try to dictate the tempo at home by establishing the run with Harris and Jaylen Warren. Fantasy managers should keep their expectations in check given the difficulty of the matchup, but Harris can be started as a low-end RB2 or flex option this week.
Dec 19, 2024 11:54 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris managed just 14 rushing yards on six carries and hauled in his only target for a seven-yard gain in a 27-13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Although fantasy managers cannot be pleased with this performance, Harris' output would have been even worse had he been credited with a lost fumble on a dropped toss from quarterback Russell Wilson. This turnover, which occurred in Philadelphia territory, arguably cost the Steelers the game as they trailed by just one touchdown in the third quarter before coughing the ball up. Harris' lack of touches can mostly be attributed to the fact that Pittsburgh never led on the scoreboard and only possessed the ball twice in the second half. Unfortunately, Harris has another difficult matchup against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 16.
Dec 15, 2024 10:12 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris has had to overcome a few difficult matchups this season and will once again have his work cut out for him in Week 15 against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles limit opposing offenses to the eighth-fewest rushing yards and hold running backs to the fourth-fewest fantasy points. That said, Philadelphia has allowed a running back to score on the ground in three of its last four contests. Harris is averaging over 20 touches per game and should be a focal point of Pittsburgh's offensive attack on Sunday, especially with George Pickens (hamstring) out of the lineup. Fantasy managers should not expect a massive performance from Harris but can still count on him as a volume-based low-end RB2 this week.
Dec 14, 2024 1:07 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris handled 16 carries for 53 yards and a touchdown in a Week 14 win against the division-rival Cleveland Browns. Harris was a focal point of Pittsburgh's offense early in the first quarter, gaining 32 yards through its first two possessions. Although he was surprisingly quiet for much of the rest of the contest, he punched the ball into the end zone for a one-yard score in the second quarter to give the Steelers a 10-7 lead. He was not utilized as a pass-catcher on Sunday after hauling in six receptions last week. Regardless, Harris has been a steady contributor for fantasy and continues to receive a heavy workload on the ground. A difficult matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles awaits in Week 15.
Dec 8, 2024 6:24 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris had his best fantasy outing of the season in Week 13 and will look to keep rolling against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Harris was ineffective against this Browns' defense two weeks ago, but he remained a focal point of the offense with 18 opportunities. Even if Jaylen Warren mixes in for additional work, Harris should be a lock for at least 15 touches, a number he has surpassed in every contest this year. Although Cleveland has been solid against the run in 2024, the Browns are giving up a lot of points and are tied for the fifth-most rushing touchdowns surrendered to running backs. Fantasy managers can continue to rely on Harris as a volume-based RB2 with a good shot of finding the end zone in Week 14.
Dec 6, 2024 10:25 PM EST
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