1,000-Yard Running Back Reaches Agreement with the Chargers
As we head into the offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris has made a name for himself. He is known to put his head down and earn plenty of yardage for the Steelers, helping them secure a winning record of 10-7. Their season ended sadly with a loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL Wild Card Round. Now, decisions are to be made about how the Steelers will be able to get over the hump and go deeper into the playoffs. In the midst of this, Harris decided on his own to test free agency after spending four seasons with the Steelers. As a result of his free agency, it is reported that Najee Harris and the Los Angeles Chargers have agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $9.25 million. Here, he will continue his journey of earning tough yardage as a talented young running back.
Najee Harris was drafted 21st overall in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Steelers. Since then, Harris has emerged as a consistent playmaker for Pittsburgh. In his rookie season, Harris hit the ground running. Harris finished his rookie season with 1,200 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, and 74 catches for 467 yards and three touchdowns. He finished fourth in rushing yards, fourth in all-purpose yards, and led all running backs in receptions. His 381 touches led the NFL and had zero fumbles. He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team and the NFL All-Rookie Team. Due to his efforts, Harris was also selected to the 2022 Pro Bowl as an alternate for Joe Mixon. Harris has earned over 1,000 rushing yards every season of his young career. This feat hasn’t been accomplished since Chris Johnson’s run from 2008 to 2011. This is a testament to Harris’ durability compared to his peers as he has also played in every game in his four seasons with the Steelers.
This past season in Pittsburgh, Harris amassed 1,043 yards averaging four yards per carry and earning six touchdowns. Despite the optics of personal success, questions have been raised about the quality of the Steelers’ locker room. In postgame interviews following the loss to Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens, the Steelers’ fifth defeat in a row to close out the season, reporter Taylor Rooks says Harris was “visibly frustrated but candid.” Harris had a quiet performance in the Steelers’ 28-14 loss, gaining only 58 yards. Harris explained that players had allowed the media to infiltrate the locker room during their losing streak. As a result of this, Harris has decided to redeem himself next season in Los Angeles as the Chargers will look to him to make dynamic, yard-earning plays.
