He isn't in Pittsburgh anymore. If you haven't been keeping a close eye on the AFC West lately, you might still picture Najee Harris in that classic black and gold jersey, grinding out tough yards at Acrisure Stadium. But as of the 2025-2026 season, the question of what team does najee harris play for has a new answer: the Los Angeles Chargers.
It was a move that caught a lot of folks off guard, mostly because we've spent the last four years associating Harris with the "Steelers Way." He was their workhorse. He was the guy who never missed a game. Then, the NFL business happened.
Why Najee Harris Left the Steelers
Steelers fans saw this coming, even if they didn't want to admit it. Honestly, the writing was on the wall when the team declined his fifth-year option. That’s usually the kiss of death for a first-round pick’s long-term future with a franchise.
In Pittsburgh, Harris was basically the ultimate iron man. He hit 1,000 rushing yards in every single one of his four seasons there. Think about that. In a league where running backs break down like old iPhones, he was a tank. But the efficiency just wasn't where the front office wanted it. He averaged around 3.9 to 4.1 yards per carry—solid, but not "game-breaking" by modern standards.
Then came Jaylen Warren.
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Warren was the undrafted spark plug who started eating into Najee's touches. By the end of 2024, the Steelers decided to let Harris walk in free agency. They pivot to a backfield led by Warren and veteran additions, leaving Najee to find a new home.
The Reunion With Jim Harbaugh
The most interesting part of this whole saga is the "why" behind Los Angeles. It turns out, this wasn't just a random signing. Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers' head coach, has been chasing Najee since high school.
Back in 2017, when Harbaugh was at Michigan, he went all out to recruit Harris. He even showed up at the kid's homecoming game and announced the homecoming queen! Fast forward nearly a decade, and Harbaugh finally got his man. He wanted a "bell-cow" back to fit his physical, smash-mouth offensive philosophy, and Najee fits that mold perfectly.
How He Fits With the Los Angeles Chargers
So, what does he actually do in LA? Well, the 2025 season was a bit of a rollercoaster. He signed a one-year, $5.25 million deal—basically a "prove it" contract.
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- The Power Game: Harbaugh loves to run the ball. It’s his DNA. He wanted Harris to be the hammer that sets up the play-action for Justin Herbert.
- The Injury Bug: Unfortunately, things took a turn. Najee suffered a serious Achilles injury early in the 2025 season. It was a huge blow for a guy who had been remarkably healthy his entire career.
- The Current Roster: While he was out, younger guys like Kimani Vidal and Omarion Hampton stepped up.
Despite the injury, the Chargers still value his veteran presence. As we head into the 2026 offseason, he is technically an unrestricted free agent again, but his identity for the past year has been defined by that lightning bolt on his helmet.
Career Snapshot: By the Numbers
If you’re looking for the data, Najee’s career is a fascinating study in volume vs. efficiency.
- Pittsburgh Era (2021-2024): Four straight 1,000-yard seasons. He was the first player in Steelers history to do that. He also racked up over 100 catches in his first two years, showing he’s more than just a power runner.
- Alabama Legacy: People forget he’s the all-time leading rusher for the Crimson Tide. He left Tuscaloosa with 3,843 yards and 46 rushing touchdowns. That’s Nick Saban’s gold standard.
- Physicality: At 6'1" and roughly 240 lbs, he’s one of the biggest backs in the league. He doesn't run around people; he runs through them.
What Most People Get Wrong
There's this narrative that Najee Harris is "slow" or "washed." That’s kinda lazy. If you watch the tape, his vision is actually elite. The problem in Pittsburgh was often a struggling offensive line that forced him to dodge defenders two yards behind the line of scrimmage.
In Los Angeles, behind a line anchored by guys like Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, the hope was that he’d finally have holes to run through. The injury stole that narrative in 2025, but the talent is still there.
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What’s Next for Najee in 2026?
Right now, Najee Harris is at a crossroads. He's 27 years old, coming off a major injury, and hitting the open market.
Will he stay with the Chargers? Harbaugh is loyal, and if the recovery is going well, a cheap one-year extension makes a ton of sense for both sides. LA needs that veteran depth, especially since Herbert is the focal point of the franchise.
If he hits the market, look for teams that run a gap-heavy scheme. He’s not a "zone-stretch" guy who’s going to beat you to the edge. He’s a north-south punisher.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Fantasy Owners:
- Monitor the Recovery: The Achilles is the hardest injury for a running back to bounce back from. Track his "Expected Return" reports through the 2026 preseason.
- Watch the Draft: If the Chargers draft a high-profile RB in the first three rounds, it's a signal they are moving on from the Najee experiment.
- Scheme Fit: If he signs elsewhere, look for "Harbaugh-adjacent" coaches (like those from the Ravens' tree) who value heavy sets and power running.
The days of Najee being a top-5 fantasy pick are likely over, but his role as a situational power back or a veteran leader in a committee is just beginning. Whether he's in LA or a new city in 2026, he remains one of the most respected lockers room presences in the league.
Keep an eye on the official NFL transaction wire this March. That’s when we’ll know if the Chargers are running it back or if Najee is packing his bags for a third NFL city.