The Pittsburgh Steelers made a firm decision in 2024 when they declined Najee Harris’s fifth-year option, hinting at the end of his time in black and gold. He didn’t wait long to find a new home, signing with the Los Angeles Chargers on a one-year deal. Just weeks after minicamp wrapped, Harris’ name is again in the headlines, this time as a surprise addition to the NFL trade block. The move out West was supposed to be a fresh start; instead, Harris is already mentioned as someone who might not even make it to Week 1 in Los Angeles.
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Ex-Steelers running back Najee Harris speaks about his time with Pittsburgh while being interviewed as a Charger.
Harris was recently added to a trade block big board created by Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox, which highlights the popular opinion of uncertainty surrounding the next steps in the running back's career.
“Harris is on a one-year deal and may not be viewed as a long-term piece for L.A.," Knox wrote.
This introduces a lot in a few words. When a player signs a short-term deal, it often means the team is trying to fill a temporary hole, and that seems to be the case here.
Harris landed in Los Angeles without any promises. A short contract, limited fanfare, and now, after just a few practices, he’s being discussed more for his potential trade value than for his role on the offense. That tells you everything you need to know about where he stands in the Chargers' plans.
“The Chargers also drafted Omarion Hampton with the No. 22 overall pick in April, and the North Carolina product might walk into an every-down role.”
The Chargers didn’t just bring in another back; they invested a first-round pick in a player they believe can be their immediate lead rusher. Omarion Hampton wasn’t drafted to sit behind anyone. His size, production, and potential suggest he’s ready to start right away. That’s a big problem for Harris, who went from Pittsburgh’s starter to L.A.’s placeholder in a matter of months.
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Former North Carolina Tar Heels running back Omarion Hampton during a collegiate game.
It’s not a knock on Harris as much as it is the reality of how teams value youth, upside, and rookie contracts. Harris is now in a situation where he could be available, not because he failed, but because he’s become replaceable. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his four seasons with Pittsburgh.
He absorbed punishment, handled a massive workload, and never missed extended time. That kind of back still holds value in a league where running back injuries are common and depth is thin.The fact that Harris is already being linked to trade speculation so soon after signing with a new team is less about his talent and more about the direction the Chargers are going.
“Teams in need of running back help would at least be wise to call about Harris’ availability. While he was never a high-level starter with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he was a dependable high-volume back who topped 1,000 rushing yards in all four campaigns.”
This statement sums it up perfectly. Harris may not have been elite, but he was reliable. Durable. Productive. For some teams, that’s enough. Whether it's a playoff contender looking for depth or a run-first team trying to insulate against injury, the interest in Harris could come quickly. The price won’t be high, and the experience he brings to a locker room is something younger backs can’t match yet. The Chargers don’t seem fully committed. Other teams might be willing to step in.
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Steelers running back Najee Harris holds his hands on his hips on the field at Acrisure Stadium prior to a 2022 preseason game in Pittsburgh, PA.
Steelers Made A Clear Call And The League Noticed
What makes this story even more notable is how fast things have turned. Harris was only a few months removed from being the Steelers’ starting running back. Now he’s on a new team, fighting for snaps, and already appearing on trade boards. For Pittsburgh, it validates their earlier decision. The team chose to build around Jaylen Warren and Kaleb Johnson, along with a new offensive identity under Arthur Smith, and while it wasn’t universally praised, Harris’s current situation backs it up.
It was never personal, just business. And it turns out other teams are now treating it the same way. Whether Harris stays in Los Angeles or is moved before the season, the fact that he’s in this conversation at all shows how quickly the NFL moves on, even from players who’ve produced every single year.
Do you think Najee Harris is being unfairly overlooked, or is his quick appearance on the trade block just part of the business in today’s NFL? Let us know in the comments!
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