Report: Steelers FA Najee Harris to Sign Chargers Contract Worth Up To $9.25M

The Los Angeles Chargers have reportedly signed former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris in free agency, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The one-year deal can be worth up to $9.25 million.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport first reported the two sides were discussing a deal Monday.

The 27-year-old has served as Pittsburgh's starter in each of the past four seasons without missing a game.

Harris was set to enter free agency after the Steelers declined his fifth-year option in May 2024.

The former first-round pick turned heads after racking up 1,667 all-purpose yards and 10 total touchdowns as a rookie in 2021, but he was never able to build upon his promising inaugural season.

While Harris has surpassed 1,000 yards on the ground in each of the three following years, he owns a career average of just 3.9 yards per carry.

A reunion with Pittsburgh didn't seem to be a strong possibility entering free agency. Nick Farabaugh of Penn Live reported that Harris would "likely earn between $8-10 million on the open market" and the Steelers were "unwilling to match" that price.

The former Alabama standout immediately becomes the top option on the team's depth chart. J.K. Dobbins, the Chargers' leading rusher in 2024, is also a free agent and the team released backup Gus Edwards on Monday.

Los Angeles is coming off an impressive first season under head coach Jim Harbaugh, owning the No. 1 scoring defense in the NFL and making the playoffs with a record of 11-6.

As the Chargers attempt to improve upon a Wild Card postseason exit while building around Justin Herbert and Ladd McConkey on offense, adding Harris gives the offense another proven weapon.