The Los Angeles Chargers' 2025 campaign was defined by injury. Most notably, they lost both Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt for virtually the entirety of the season, leaving their offensive line in dire straits from the jump.
They lost veteran defender Khalil Mack for a portion of the season, and even Justin Herbert dealt with a hand injury (although he played through it, only resting in Week 18). The bruised and banged-up team ultimately succumbed to their wounds in their Wild Card Round defeat at the hands of the New England Patriots.
Lost in all of that disappointment, though, was the season-ending Achilles tear that free-agent signing Najee Harris suffered in Week 3. Heading into the season, the backfield combo of Harris and rookie Omarion Hampton was a major reason for excitement. Ultimately, Harris played in just three games while Hampton was limited to nine appearances by a severe ankle injury.
With the emergence of Kimani Vidal and their signing of Keaton Mitchell, Los Angeles can't welcome Harris back for a redo. But that doesn't mean that Harris won't receive another lifeline this offseason, and Chargers fans should be rooting for him to find his footing again in the NFL.
Najee Harris will likely get a chance to compete for a backfield job in 2026
To call the Harris signing a 'failed' one is not an indictment on him or the Chargers. But the truth is that Harris rushed for just 15 attempts and 61 yards after signing a one-year, $5.25 million contract with Los Angeles. On the heels of four straight 1,000-yard seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, it was certainly a disappointing outcome for both parties.
While there is a clear re-injury risk with an Achilles tear, Harris should still have a shot at an NFL job this offseason. It likely won't come until we're closer to training camp, though.
Harris visited with the Seattle Seahawks and Las Vegas Raiders in March, but both teams addressed their holes in the backfield through the NFL Draft. The Seahawks took a swing on Jadarian Price out of Notre Dame at the end of the first round. The Raiders, for their part, added Mike Washington Jr. out of Arkansas in the fourth round.
While there might still be a place for Harris in Seattle as they await the return of Zach Charbonnet from his season-ending injury, the Raiders also added Indiana RB Roman Hemby as a UDFA. But as depth charts continue to evolve through the remainder of teams' offseason programs, Harris should be one of the remaining hot commodities on the market.
The Pittsburgh Steelers, for example, could seek out a reunion with Harris. They have Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle in their backfield, but their depth beyond that is suspect. Kaleb Johnson didn't show much as a rookie (even on special teams) and it remains to be seen whether UDFA Eli Heidenreich will make the roster.
The Tennessee Titans and the Green Bay Packers could be options as well. Although Tennessee has a trio of Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears, and rookie Nicholas Singleton in their backfield, there's certainly room for a surprise addition there. The Packers, for their part, are seriously lacking in depth behind lead back Josh Jacobs.
In short, Harris should get his next opportunity by the time training camp rolls around. Although it won't be with the Chargers, his failed stint in Los Angeles likely won't signify the end of his NFL career.
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