Najee Harris new free agency home
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Najee Harris new free agency home
After last offseason, it was believed that the Los Angeles Chargers‘ running back room was completely rejuvenated. After a year of poor play from both J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards, the Chargers pivoted and signed former Steeler Najee Harris, believing he would be the perfect schematic fit for Jim Harbaugh’s offense. That did not prove to be the case, as he suffered several injuries throughout the year and now faces free agency.
While Harris may not have the same market he would have had if he remained healthy, he still could be attractive to several teams, including an intriguing one in the NFC West. According to Moe Moton of Bleacher Report, the San Francisco 49ers could be the perfect destination for Harris.
For the 49ers, they would mainly go after Harris not to simply take him off the Chargers’ hands, but because he could be a legitimate contributor for them as a competent backup to Christian McCaffrey. While last season ended with Harris only carrying the ball 15 times for a total of 61 yards, he wasn’t totally to blame after suffering a bizarre eye injury in training camp and then tearing his Achilles just three weeks into the season. Before that however, he had four straight seasons where he produced over 1,000 yards rushing.
A Fresh Opportunity in San Francisco
For the Chargers, it wouldn’t be a deal that hurts the team at all. He only signed a one year deal that was worth a fully guaranteed 5.25 million dollars. Now, on Spotrac, his projected contract is worth 2.9 million dollars annually. As a result, it wouldn’t be too much of a loss or financial burden on the team.
Also, the Chargers could prove that they are ready to hand over the reins in the backfield to Omarion Hampton. While he had his share of injury problems, the rookie impressed in flashes last year. They also could give Kimani Vidal more snaps, as he carried a hefty load in both Harris’ and Hampton’s absences. He rushed for 643 yards and three touchdowns in ten starts for the Chargers.
A Low-Risk Move With Mutual Benefits
For the 49ers, this move would be all about alleviating McCaffrey’s workload and getting someone who can take a high volume of snaps. Moton writes, “Because of Harris’ modest numbers in a shortened 2025 campaign, he could be an attractive target at a bargain rate for the 49ers if they pursue a physical ball-carrier to replace (Brian) Robinson”.
Both teams are looking to become Super Bowl contenders. While the Chargers’ experiment with Harris didn’t work out, they have enough in house options to feel confident they can excel without him. The 49ers on the other hand, feel as if they just need more balance out of the backfield.
Most importantly, signs of a speedy recovery for Harris have been positive, with recent videos of him working out surfacing. If they decide to go after him, the Niners could get him just in time for training camp.
This could end up being a win-win trade for both teams: an investment in the future for the Chargers and an investment in the present for the 49ers.