RB Najee Harris, LAC (4 Viewers)

[Grid71]

If he goes to a team with an offensive line that can open a hole, I think he’ll be a consistent RB2. Just don’t expect the splash weeks. Very James Conner’ish.

I agree with this. Best running downhill with some space to build up power.

 

[zamboni]

Consummate volume guy that will thrive only with a ton of touches. Not too many guys have been able to hold up with that kind of volume and never miss a game, so guess you have to give him that.

 

[JohnnyU]

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.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBaller

Will they sign both? I could see someone offering Warren enough that Pittsburgh won't match if they sign Harris. Dumb signing Harris and losing Warren? Or not? I suppose they could sign both. Hell, I don't know what their cap situation is.

 

[InDitkaWeTrust]

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.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBaller

Will they sign both? I could see someone offering Warren enough that Pittsburgh won't match if they sign Harris. Dumb signing Harris and losing Warren? Or not? I suppose they could sign both. Hell, I don't know what their cap situation is.

IMO, it's good to have options. If Warren gets a big contract from another team, they can resign Najee and draft another Warren in a very deep RB draft. Vice versa, as well. I expect they will let both test the market in any case.

 

[zamboni]

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.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBaller

Will they sign both? I could see someone offering Warren enough that Pittsburgh won't match if they sign Harris. Dumb signing Harris and losing Warren? Or not? I suppose they could sign both. Hell, I don't know what their cap situation is.

IMO, it's good to have options. If Warren gets a big contract from another team, they can resign Najee and draft another Warren in a very deep RB draft. Vice versa, as well. I expect they will let both test the market in any case.

I think they tender Warren as an RFA and that will probably keep him off the market. Whether they re-sign Najee remains to be seen, but it doesn't seem like RB is necessarily a huge priority for them.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

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

There certainly is: He's one of the league's most inefficient runners. What production he's had is predicated on his riduculous volume, and not much else. No explosion or burst to any part of his game. Yeah, he'll run mean at times, but turtle ball is turtle ball. No juice. Limited vision. Really bad fit for Smith's "wide zone" running scheme too.

His attitude is perfect, by all accounts he is a "plus teammate", and he doesnt put the ball on the ground (which essentially elevates anyone to sainthood with Mike Tomlin), buuuut he is just a very, very pedestrian/fungible runner. When your job is running, that is a problem. Particularly when the guy backing you up comes in, behind the same OLs/OCs, and shows twice the vision and juice and is a better weapon in the passing game.

It would be just about the most "Tomlin" thing ever to bring Naj back and let an obviously superior actual runner leave town because he fumbles it a few more times a year.

The Steelers would be loads better off paying Warren, drafting a true burner with vision to work in behind him, and then throw three UDRFA darts at the position than they would be tripling down on "stegosaurus ball" again. Naj wasnt a good pick. Time to let go of it.

 

[efactor]

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

There certainly is: He's one of the league's most inefficient runners. What production he's had is predicated on his riduculous volume, and not much else. No explosion or burst to any part of his game. Yeah, he'll run mean at times, but turtle ball is turtle ball. No juice. Limited vision. Really bad fit for Smith's "wide zone" running scheme too.

His attitude is perfect, by all accounts he is a "plus teammate", and he doesnt put the ball on the ground (which essentially elevates anyone to sainthood with Mike Tomlin), buuuut he is just a very, very pedestrian/fungible runner. When your job is running, that is a problem. Particularly when the guy backing you up comes in, behind the same OLs/OCs, and shows twice the vision and juice and is a better weapon in the passing game.

It would be just about the most "Tomlin" thing ever to bring Naj back and let an obviously superior actual runner leave town because he fumbles it a few more times a year.

The Steelers would be loads better off paying Warren, drafting a true burner with vision to work in behind him, and then throw three UDRFA darts at the position than they would be tripling down on "stegosaurus ball" again. Naj wasnt a good pick. Time to let go of it.

Granted, I don’t watch a lot of Steeler games, but I actually thought Najee looked good in the games I did see. Ran hard and showed some explosiveness. Lack of a passing game hurts and OL is not very good. Hope he ends up elsewhere for FF purposes.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

, but I actually thought Najee looked good in the games I did see.

He can have moments. He's an nfl caliber player and can bully guys on a given run. He just has zero dynamism and very limited vision. "See hole, hit hole." The moment he has to change direction, its pretty much over.

There are probably 40-50 NFL running backs that could give you similar production if given the amount of volume that Naj had the past 4 years. 55-60 yards a game, sub 4YPC, 5-6 TDs a season on 300+ touches? Career long run not even a 40 yarder? Yaaaawn.

 

[efactor]

, but I actually thought Najee looked good in the games I did see.

He can have moments. He's an nfl caliber player and can bully guys on a given run. He just has zero dynamism and very limited vision. "See hole, hit hole." The moment he has to change direction, its pretty much over.

There are probably 40-50 NFL running backs that could give you similar production if given the amount of volume that Naj had the past 4 years. 55-60 yards a game, sub 4YPC, 5-6 TDs a season on 300+ touches? Career ong run not even a 40 yarder? Yaaaawn.

Will be interesting to see how many teams are in play for him. I think it will be more than you think but I could be way off base. Want to see him end up on an actual good offense where the line isn’t stacked and there are a decent amount of goal-line opportunities. KC would be fun. Even old man Kareem Hunt was fantasy viable there.

I had made a trade for the #1 pick in 2021. 16 team league so RBs are highly valued. When I picked Chase, a couple guys took the time to tell me in detail why I had made a huge mistake and should have taken Najee. I still enjoy pointing that out to them when our opinions differ in player evaluations

 

[scothawk]

I think the Raiders might look at him.

 

[menobrown]

, but I actually thought Najee looked good in the games I did

There are probably 40-50 NFL running backs that could give you similar production if given the amount of volume that Naj had the past 4 years.

I don’t disagree but in his support very few , if any, of those 40-50 RB’s could have handled that volume without succumbing to injury.

 

[brewer]

, but I actually thought Najee looked good in the games I did

There are probably 40-50 NFL running backs that could give you similar production if given the amount of volume that Naj had the past 4 years.

I don’t disagree but in his support very few , if any, of those 40-50 RB’s could have handled that volume without succumbing to injury.

Came in to say the same thing. I agree that he is replaceable but they aren't going to get the same durability.

He also was a pretty decent receiver of the ball with Ben at QB, they have completely gone away from him in that regard.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

I don’t disagree but in his support very few , if any, of those 40-50 RB’s could have handled that volume without succumbing to injury.

I wouldn't have had to burn a 1st rounder on most, if any, of them either.

Meh. "Durability" attached to a 3.9 career YPC doesnt really pump my proverbial 'nads.

He showed up every day for work. Rad. As a Steelers fan, I think he'd look great in a Raiders uniform.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

He also was a pretty decent receiver of the ball with Ben at QB, they have completely gone away from him in that regard.

Its mostly because Warren's better at it.

 

[brewer]

He also was a pretty decent receiver of the ball with Ben at QB, they have completely gone away from him in that regard.

Its mostly because Warren's better at it.

Sure, but it's something that he might offer to a new team who doesn't have someone as good as Warren at that.

He's not a great NFL running back but he's far from the Steelers weakest starter and I think he could flourish in the right scenario.

 

[menobrown]

I don’t disagree but in his support very few , if any, of those 40-50 RB’s could have handled that volume without succumbing to injury.

I wouldn't have had to burn a 1st rounder on most, if any, of them either.

Meh. "Durability" attached to a 3.9 career YPC doesnt really pump my proverbial 'nads.

He showed up every day for work. Rad. As a Steelers fan, I think he'd look great in a Raiders uniform.

If you are not breaking off long runs I don't think there is remotely anything to be down about averaging 3.9 yards a carry, especially in the supporting cast he was surrounded.

Talking about him being a first round pick is not relevant to me to anything. If anything that just shows me your evaluation of him is stuck a bit on a bias of him not being worth a first round pick and not viewing him for what he was able to do.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Youre free to feel that way, of course, but to say a first round pick shouldnt be expected to produce at a better rate than an undrafted free agent in the exact same environment seems almost wilfully obtuse. Ill just agree to disagree with that.

"What he was able to do" was be an incredibly inefficient runner, which is absolutely compounded by his opportunity cost. If that gives me a bias, I am more than comfy with it.

He's reportedly a rightwous dude...but the NFL doesnt reward points for that. I dont hate the guy, but he is a middling talent and if he finds success elsewhere, bully for him I guess? Ive seen this movie four times,and dont require a 5th showing.

 

[menobrown]

but to say a first round pick shouldnt be expected to produce at a better rate than an undrafted free agent in the exact same environment seems almost wilfully obtuse.

I don't know of this is intended towards me but if it you are then you are attributing me as saying something that I was not even thinking.

 

[sm8680]

Najee Harris might find more success in a different offense. Regardless of what you think, this situation could echo James Conner’s story performing better elsewhere. Jaylen Warren isn’t built to be a three-down back. The debate about Najee is straightforward: he often looks average, as he did for much of this season, until things start to click. I doubt the Steelers will re-sign him, especially considering they declined his fifth-year option at $6.79 million. Especially when he's projected to earn $7-$10 million a year.

 

[joey]

On an RB needy FFPC dynasty team, I sent:

My Q Johnston + Shipley + 2.10

for their N Harris + McLaughlin


Figure it was worth a late 2nd dart throw for 2 RBs who might start next year.

I have a feeling I know who’s going to say I wasted my 2.10 pick

 

[JohnnyU]

Najee Harris might find more success in a different offense. Regardless of what you think, this situation could echo James Conner’s story performing better elsewhere. Jaylen Warren isn’t built to be a three-down back. The debate about Najee is straightforward: he often looks average, as he did for much of this season, until things start to click. I doubt the Steelers will re-sign him, especially considering they declined his fifth-year option at $6.79 million. Especially when he's projected to earn $7-$10 million a year.

Warren can be a 65% to 70% carries runner IMO. In today's NFL you can't ask for much more than that. People echoed the same thing about Chase Brown and he certainly proved he can carry most of the load once Moss went down. Also, it seem to me that the midget Achane was on the field more than a lot of folks were saying (including me) he would be when he was drafted and Warren is built a lot stronger than Achane. @joey traded for McLaughlin. Now there is a RB that has less of a chance of carrying a heavy workload than Warren. Again, just my opinion.

 

[Payne]

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

There certainly is: He's one of the league's most inefficient runners. What production he's had is predicated on his riduculous volume, and not much else. No explosion or burst to any part of his game. Yeah, he'll run mean at times, but turtle ball is turtle ball. No juice. Limited vision. Really bad fit for Smith's "wide zone" running scheme too.

His attitude is perfect, by all accounts he is a "plus teammate", and he doesnt put the ball on the ground (which essentially elevates anyone to sainthood with Mike Tomlin), buuuut he is just a very, very pedestrian/fungible runner. When your job is running, that is a problem. Particularly when the guy backing you up comes in, behind the same OLs/OCs, and shows twice the vision and juice and is a better weapon in the passing game.

It would be just about the most "Tomlin" thing ever to bring Naj back and let an obviously superior actual runner leave town because he fumbles it a few more times a year.

The Steelers would be loads better off paying Warren, drafting a true burner with vision to work in behind him, and then throw three UDRFA darts at the position than they would be tripling down on "stegosaurus ball" again. Naj wasnt a good pick. Time to let go of it.

While I agree with some of what you're saying, I'm going to trust one of the best coaches in football.

 

[menobrown]

Per Rapaport the Chargers are near an agreement with him.

I hate to say this after the fact but I thought they made the most sense before free agency started. Felt Harbaugh would value his toughness and dependability which their GM saw up close for years. Thought Najee would embrace returning to CA running behind emerging strong OL.

Deals not done yet and even if so he’ll have comp but I consider this is very plus outcome for him if it gets wrapped up

 

[crushedspirit]

He's a good fit for the Chargers

 

[JohnnyU]

Per Rapaport the Chargers are near an agreement with him.

I hate to say this after the fact but I thought they made the most sense before free agency started. Felt Harbaugh would value his toughness and dependability which their GM saw up close for years. Thought Najee would embrace returning to CA running behind emerging strong OL.

Deals not done yet and even if so he’ll have comp but I consider this is very plus outcome for him if it gets wrapped up

…..right up to the point where they draft either Jeanty or Hampton.

 

[joey]

on this landing spot..and them not drafting top Rb….and them not re-signing Dobbins…and…

Signed,
Najee owner in 2 dynasty leagues

 

[menobrown]

One year up to $9.5m

 

[JohnnyU]

on this landing spot..and them not drafting top Rb….and them not re-signing Dobbins…and…

Signed,
Najee owner in 2 dynasty leagues

I doubt Dobbins is with the Chargers in 2025.

 

[Faust]

Tyler Schoon
Najee Harris ran zone about 62 percent of the time in Pittsburgh. The shift more to the middle with Greg Roman may prove beneficial.

Really like that deal.

https://x.com/tylerjschoon/status/1899270065297780816?s=61

 

[travdogg]

on this landing spot..and them not drafting top Rb….and them not re-signing Dobbins…and…

Signed,
Najee owner in 2 dynasty leagues

I'd expect them to add a rookie, but it could be in round 3/4 instead of round 1/2 if they hadn't added Najee.

 

[TheDirtyWord]

Per Rapaport the Chargers are near an agreement with him.

I hate to say this after the fact but I thought they made the most sense before free agency started. Felt Harbaugh would value his toughness and dependability which their GM saw up close for years. Thought Najee would embrace returning to CA running behind emerging strong OL.

Deals not done yet and even if so he’ll have comp but I consider this is very plus outcome for him if it gets wrapped up

1 year deal is a bit of a red flag, but it’s as good a fit as he could have hoped for.

But they’re not done.

 

[Faust]

Warren Sharp
Najee Harris rush yards by season:

2021: 1,200
2022: 1,034
2023: 1,045
2024: 1,043

the only RBs since 2000 to enter the NFL with 4-straight 1k rush seasons:

Najee Harris
Chris Johnson
Adrian Peterson
Clinton Portis
LaDainian Tomlinson

https://x.com/sharpfootball/status/1899270813108285913?s=61

 

[menobrown]

Per Rapaport the Chargers are near an agreement with him.

I hate to say this after the fact but I thought they made the most sense before free agency started. Felt Harbaugh would value his toughness and dependability which their GM saw up close for years. Thought Najee would embrace returning to CA running behind emerging strong OL.

Deals not done yet and even if so he’ll have comp but I consider this is very plus outcome for him if it gets wrapped up

1 year deal is a bit of a red flag, but it’s as good a fit as he could have hoped for.

But they’re not done.

No, and I'll keep saying this for the next 50 or so days until everyone gets sick of me saying it and then I'll say it some more, lol. I think 30+RB's are going to get drafted, some team will double dip, but most of the league is going to draft a RB, I'm guessing 80% or more. They also might bring back Dobbins. So far from done, but his value being what it was you take it year to year and hope he proves himself and that money may not suggest he's "the man" but it suggests he has a nice role in front of him.

 

[taylormeetstheismann]

Per Rapaport the Chargers are near an agreement with him.

I hate to say this after the fact but I thought they made the most sense before free agency started. Felt Harbaugh would value his toughness and dependability which their GM saw up close for years. Thought Najee would embrace returning to CA running behind emerging strong OL.

Deals not done yet and even if so he’ll have comp but I consider this is very plus outcome for him if it gets wrapped up

1 year deal is a bit of a red flag, but it’s as good a fit as he could have hoped for.

But they’re not done.

Bingo

 

[Payne]

I love it for Harris. Harbaugh has shown he is willing to feed RB's. Better O-Line, far better QB and we will see about the receiving core.

Even if they draft a RB, depending on when and where in the draft that player is acquired, I can see Harris having a very productive year.

 

[efactor]

I love it for Harris. Harbaugh has shown he is willing to feed RB's. Better O-Line, far better QB and we will see about the receiving core.

Even if they draft a RB, depending on when and where in the draft that player is acquired, I can see Harris having a very productive year.

Agree. Seems like a Harbaugh guy and goes into a great situation. Having a real QB will help his receiving numbers too.

 

[menobrown]

Agree. Seems like a Harbaugh guy

This circulated all over the internet yesterday so I'm sure all or most of you know Harbaugh recruited him out of college, attended one of his games, wore Najee's high school's gear, worked the chain gang and announced the homecoming queen. Went all out, but Najee was the #1 RB recruit in the nation. Saw a video on this yesterday but can't find it now.

 

[efactor]

Agree. Seems like a Harbaugh guy

This circulated all over the internet yesterday so I'm sure all or most of you know Harbaugh recruited him out of college, attended one of his games, wore Najee's high school's gear, worked the chain gang and announced the homecoming queen. Went all out, but Najee was the #1 RB recruit in the nation. Saw a video on this yesterday but can't find it now.

I did not know that. Thanks for the info

 

[B Maverick]

Per Rapaport the Chargers are near an agreement with him.

I hate to say this after the fact but I thought they made the most sense before free agency started. Felt Harbaugh would value his toughness and dependability which their GM saw up close for years. Thought Najee would embrace returning to CA running behind emerging strong OL.

Deals not done yet and even if so he’ll have comp but I consider this is very plus outcome for him if it gets wrapped up

1 year deal is a bit of a red flag, but it’s as good a fit as he could have hoped for.

But they’re not done.

No, and I'll keep saying this for the next 50 or so says until everyone gets sick of me saying it and then I'll say it some more, lol. I think 30+RB's are going to get drafted, some team will double dip, but most of the league is going to draft a RB, I'm guessing 80% or more. They also might bring back Dobbins. So far from done, but his value being what it was you take it year to year and hope he proves himself and that money may not suggest he's "the man" but it suggests he has a nice role in front of him.

Agree. Depth Chart: RB: Najee Harris, Hassan Haskins, Kimani Vidal, Jaret Patterson. Unless they really like what they saw out of Vidal and Patterson, I would expect a rookie to come in too. But may not have to be as 1st or 2nd round guy now.

 

[Big Nate]

Per Rapaport the Chargers are near an agreement with him.

I hate to say this after the fact but I thought they made the most sense before free agency started. Felt Harbaugh would value his toughness and dependability which their GM saw up close for years. Thought Najee would embrace returning to CA running behind emerging strong OL.

Deals not done yet and even if so he’ll have comp but I consider this is very plus outcome for him if it gets wrapped up

1 year deal is a bit of a red flag, but it’s as good a fit as he could have hoped for.

But they’re not done.

No, and I'll keep saying this for the next 50 or so says until everyone gets sick of me saying it and then I'll say it some more, lol. I think 30+RB's are going to get drafted, some team will double dip, but most of the league is going to draft a RB, I'm guessing 80% or more. They also might bring back Dobbins. So far from done, but his value being what it was you take it year to year and hope he proves himself and that money may not suggest he's "the man" but it suggests he has a nice role in front of him.

Agree. Depth Chart: RB: Najee Harris, Hassan Haskins, Kimani Vidal, Jaret Patterson. Unless they really like what they saw out of Vidal and Patterson, I would expect a rookie to come in too. But may not have to be as 1st or 2nd round guy now.

I would expect the Chargers to draft an RB at some point - just don't know how early. A lot of good RBs in this draft and some will fall to the 4th and 5th rounds. Having said that, it is still rare for a rookie to come in and kick out the vet right away. Remember all the hype in year 1 for Tank Bigsby, Kendre Miller, Rochon Johnson, Tajee Spears and last year for Marshawn Lloyd, Trey Benson, Jaylen Wright and Blake Corum? Sometimes these Rbs just need time and aren't ready year 1. They might still end up good and get a starting roll but not always year 1. If the Chargers draft an RB and the hype gets out of control there will be some big value had for Najee in redraft leagues... and maybe even dynasty.

I'll say the same thing that I did for Josh Jacobs last year - they brought in a vet RB who can run the playbook. protect their star QB and do the dirty work between the tackles (and catch passes out of the backfield). Najee might not be the shiny new toy but he is a very good fit for this offense and does exactly what they want to do.

I expect a change of pace back and or a younger RB to emerge who will split time but Najee is the reliable RB they have been looking for.

 

[jtd13]

I can't imagine a better spot for najee than under Roman/Harbaugh, since he's kind of a rich man's Gus with better hands. He has a good chance to have a similar season to Dobbins if they don't add someone before the middle rounds. But I'd limit expectations beyond that.

 

[efactor]

I can't imagine a better spot for najee than under Roman/Harbaugh, since he's kind of a rich man's Gus with better hands. He has a good chance to have a similar season to Dobbins if they don't add someone before the middle rounds. But I'd limit expectations beyond that.

Man, I just don’t see any negatives. They are paying him fairly big money on a 1 year deal. Unless they bring back Dobbins, which I seriously doubt now, he will get a massive workload in an offense that should be in the green zone a lot.

 

[steelcityman]

As a Steeler fan, I cant wait to get me a Najee Chargers jersey. Go Naj!!!!

 

[rockaction]

Man, I just don’t see any negatives.

That he's on a one-year deal and the class of 2025 hasn't been drafted yet. You don't know his competition yet. Now, Big Nate points out something I had pointed out in a very long post I decided to scrap, and that's that guys coming in from the later rounds in the draft often do not supplant the incumbents or vets that we want them to replace. Just doesn't work that way. They want QBs upright and protected and Najee has the benefit of never fumbling and protecting the ball.

It's an interesting signing. I would have loved to see the Chargers get more dynamic, but Najee it is.

 

[FantasyGuru24]

He’s a plodder

 

[menobrown]

What I would ask anyone who does not like the landing spot for Najee to please list the other places you'd have preferred to see him go.

I got one and I never thought it possible as I don't think they are in the market to pay a veteran RB.

Chargers would have been my second best option if I could have picked any team for him to land. ETA-and it's a superclose second.

Whatever happens after this with Chargers or any other team with RB additions we don't know. Just saying based on what we know right now I'd be curious exactly where other people would have preferred.

 

[efactor]

Man, I just don’t see any negatives.

That he's on a one-year deal and the class of 2025 hasn't been drafted yet. You don't know his competition yet. Now, Big Nate points out something I had pointed out in a very long post I decided to scrap, and that's that guys coming in from the later rounds in the draft often do not supplant the incumbents or vets that we want them to replace. Just doesn't work that way. They want QBs upright and protected and Najee has the benefit of never fumbling and protecting the ball.

It's an interesting signing. I would have loved to see the Chargers get more dynamic, but Najee it is.

A 1 year deal is actually a good thing for 2025 IMO. No worries about “next year” as far as the number of touches he gets.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

I will be heavily investing in Najee in redraft if his value is right.

They’re gonna run him into the ground.

 

[menobrown]

Man, I just don’t see any negatives.

That he's on a one-year deal and the class of 2025 hasn't been drafted yet. You don't know his competition yet. Now, Big Nate points out something I had pointed out in a very long post I decided to scrap, and that's that guys coming in from the later rounds in the draft often do not supplant the incumbents or vets that we want them to replace. Just doesn't work that way. They want QBs upright and protected and Najee has the benefit of never fumbling and protecting the ball.

It's an interesting signing. I would have loved to see the Chargers get more dynamic, but Najee it is.

A 1 year deal is actually a good thing for 2025 IMO. No worries about “next year” as far as the number of touches he gets.

If you feel that way you like to hear his contract is essentially $5.25M guaranteed with $4M in incentives which are ALL tied into rushing yards. I don't know the breakdown yet.

 

[Ray_T]

Per Rapaport the Chargers are near an agreement with him.

I hate to say this after the fact but I thought they made the most sense before free agency started. Felt Harbaugh would value his toughness and dependability which their GM saw up close for years. Thought Najee would embrace returning to CA running behind emerging strong OL.

Deals not done yet and even if so he’ll have comp but I consider this is very plus outcome for him if it gets wrapped up

1 year deal is a bit of a red flag, but it’s as good a fit as he could have hoped for.

But they’re not done.

No, and I'll keep saying this for the next 50 or so says until everyone gets sick of me saying it and then I'll say it some more, lol. I think 30+RB's are going to get drafted, some team will double dip, but most of the league is going to draft a RB, I'm guessing 80% or more. They also might bring back Dobbins. So far from done, but his value being what it was you take it year to year and hope he proves himself and that money may not suggest he's "the man" but it suggests he has a nice role in front of him.

Agree. Depth Chart: RB: Najee Harris, Hassan Haskins, Kimani Vidal, Jaret Patterson. Unless they really like what they saw out of Vidal and Patterson, I would expect a rookie to come in too. But may not have to be as 1st or 2nd round guy now.

I would expect the Chargers to draft an RB at some point - just don't know how early. A lot of good RBs in this draft and some will fall to the 4th and 5th rounds. Having said that, it is still rare for a rookie to come in and kick out the vet right away. Remember all the hype in year 1 for Tank Bigsby, Kendre Miller, Rochon Johnson, Tajee Spears and last year for Marshawn Lloyd, Trey Benson, Jaylen Wright and Blake Corum? Sometimes these Rbs just need time and aren't ready year 1. They might still end up good and get a starting roll but not always year 1. If the Chargers draft an RB and the hype gets out of control there will be some big value had for Najee in redraft leagues... and maybe even dynasty.

I'll say the same thing that I did for Josh Jacobs last year - they brought in a vet RB who can run the playbook. protect their star QB and do the dirty work between the tackles (and catch passes out of the backfield). Najee might not be the shiny new toy but he is a very good fit for this offense and does exactly what they want to do.

I expect a change of pace back and or a younger RB to emerge who will split time but Najee is the reliable RB they have been looking for.

totally agree. especially the Bolded part. and apparently there is a connection with harbaugh, so he likely knows exactly what he is getting. I have no doubt there is a role for him. the only question I have is how big is that role.