The Los Angeles Chargers free agent target Najee Harris could bolt to the Ravens, Panthers this upcoming offseason. According to a report, the running back hasn’t been thinking about returning to the Pittsburgh Steelers as he becomes a free agent. After their brutal wild card loss against the Baltimore Ravens, Harris is likely to sign with a new team in March since he’s already in several rumors that he could sign with the Chargers to help boost their running back room. Originally selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the Alabama product was one of the best running backs coming out that year, recording over 1,000 yards and six touchdowns in each of his first four seasons with the Steelers.
However, since the team declined his fifth-year option, Harris was the subject of trade rumors this past 2024 campaign. Now, he will be free to sign with any team he desires since both parties have no plans to rekindle the relationship they might’ve had. Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh loves running the offense with a strong run game so any halfback could easily fit into this scheme. Despite that, the run game has been average since J.K. Dobbins provided some temporary life while Gus Edwards was looking more like a journeyman again since his departure from the Ravens.
Pittsburgh moving on from Harris would be the smart move for the organization, especially since they have a spotty future with their quarterback situation. A scenery change could improve Harris’ confidence so he might fit in well with the Ravens, Panthers too.
NFL FREE AGENCY #Chargers are a team to watch for #Steelers Najee Harris. pic.twitter.com/LXb85ix5nb
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) January 13, 2025
Chargers Free Agent Target Najee Harris Could Bolt to Ravens, Panthers
Running with John Harbaugh
The Baltimore Ravens have one of the greatest running backs in the last decade since acquiring Derrick Henry. Quarterback Lamar Jackson is performing handsomely well but they need more depth to keep the wheel moving. Backup Keaton Mitchell has yet to prove he can be consistent so that leaves recently extended Justice Hill with the workload in the backend. However, Hill can only go as long as Jackson passes the ball.
He isn’t the ideal runner given his size but adding a veteran like Harris could increase those odds. Harris is no Henry but they have similar characteristics. He won’t be the Ravens’ entire run game but just needs to keep the chains moving.
Reviving a New Regime
The future looks bright for the Carolina Panthers despite losing faith in quarterback Bryce Young earlier in the 2024 campaign. After a 5-12 finish, head coach Dave Canales is heading into the offseason to build the passing game for Young while losing Diontae Johnson and Jonathan Mingo in a trade midway through last year. Young looks like a bright signal-caller but it will be up to the organization to see how they can accommodate him with wide receivers Jalen Coker and first-round Xavier Legette. The team will need to adjust and while running back Chuba Hubbard is the future for the ground game, they could use some depth.
Veteran Miles Sanders might not come back next year with the team and since Jonathon Brooks suffered another season-ending injury, it leaves an immediate hole for the Panthers to fill. Boise State Ashton Jeanty might not be available by the time the Panthers select in the first round. However, they could settle for a one-year veteran like Harris from this year’s free agency while they wait until Brooks recovers. Harris could be the perfect scenario in this situation since he needs to revitalize his career either way.
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