Latest news with #NajeeHarris
USA Today
15 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
20 Most Important Chargers of 2025: No. 16 RB Najee Harris
The Chargers are gearing up for the new season, which features a mix of new and returning faces within the organization. Several players are crucial to the team's success this season. Every day from now until the start of training camp, we're counting down our 20 Most Important Chargers for the 2025 season. We'll recap their 2024 season, look ahead, and hit on the biggest question facing them this year. Next up at No. 16 is running back Najee Harris. Background Age: 27 Position: Running back Experience: Fifth season 2025 cap hit: $5.25 million 2024 recap Harris has consistently been a productive running back since entering the league back in 2021, and this past season was no different. Harris was third in the conference in carries (263) and fourth in rushing yards (1,043). His 1,326 yards from scrimmage were the most he's had since his Pro Bowl season in 2021. Harris also had nine rushes for at least 20 yards, tying for the fifth-most in the NFL. Furthermore, he led the Steelers in total touchdowns (6). 2025 outlook The Chargers struggled to find efficiency in the running game in Greg Roman's first season as the team's offensive coordinator. Some of it had to do with injuries, as Gus Edwards played in just 11 games while J.K. Dobbins played in 13. To get more from the position, they added arguably one of the most durable backs. Harris has never missed a game in his professional career, finishing with at least 284 touches in all four of his seasons. Harris, who is the only active player in the NFL to have at least 1,000 rushing yards in each of the last four seasons, will be crucial to having success on the ground alongside rookie Omarion Hampton. Big question: Can Harris continue to play the way he has and provide a boost for the Chargers' rushing offense? We're counting down our 30 Most Important Chargers of 2025. Check back every day leading up to the start of training camp. 20. OL Bradley Bozeman 19. LB Junior Colson 18. TE Oronde Gadsden II 17. S Elijah Molden 16. TBA 15. TBA 14. TBA 13. TBA 12. TBA 11. TBA 10. TBA 9. TBA 8. TBA 7. TBA 6. TBA 5. TBA 4. TBA 3. TBA 2. TBA 1. TBA
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
AFC West Running Back Rankings 2025
Headlined by rookie phenom Ashton Jeanty, the AFC West has some exciting new faces. Here is how the division running back rankings stack up heading into 2025. 1. Los Angeles Chargers – Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton Consistency is rare and invaluable at the running back position in the NFL. But that is exactly what Najee Harris has proven he is: durable and reliable. He is the only active RB with four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and has never missed a game due to an injury. It is truly unbelievable. In his first season with the Los Angeles Chargers, he will look to continue this trend of consistency. Advertisement At RB2, you have Omarion Hampton, the Chargers' first-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft. His upside is limitless and extremely versatile. When you combine consistency with potential, this Chargers backfield could very well be one of the best in the league. Related: Best NFL running backs right now, 10 best running backs in NFL 2. Las Vegas Raiders – Ashton Jeanty and Raheem Mostert Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images Ranking the Las Vegas Raiders running back room at number one was tempting, but the truth is Ashton Jeanty is yet to play a snap in the NFL. We all know about his illustrious college career, but the rookie hasn't proven anything in the league just yet. Taken with the 6th pick in this year's NFL draft, Jeanty is expected to fix what was arguably the worst running back unit in the league last year. Jeanty will be a star, but he can't quite be number one on this list just yet. But one thing is for sure: the whole world is excited to see what he brings to the NFL. Advertisement Read More: Best NFL receivers 2025, ranking 10 best NFL wide receivers right now Raheem Mostert will be a speedy and versatile option as RB2. The veteran flashes elite burst and home-run ability when healthy, but at 33 years old, health isn't guaranteed. This backfield could easily emerge as one of the best in the league if they can stay healthy and live up to the high expectations. 3. Denver Broncos – J.K Dobbins and R.J Harvey Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images The Denver Broncos have added a powerful running back in J.K. Dobbins, who agreed to a one-year, $5.25 M deal after rushing for a career-high 905 yards and nine TDs in 13 games with the Chargers in 2024. Though injury-prone, when healthy, Dobbins is a very solid RB1. Paired with him is the second-round rookie R.J. Harvey out of UCF. He's a shifty runner with elite vision and explosive playmaking. Advertisement Dobbins offers stability and experience; you know what you're getting with him as your RB1. Harvey on the other hand, provides a spark and a versatile upside. It's a complementary duo that could become one of the AFC's most intriguing in 2025. Read More: Best NFL receiving corps 2025 4. Kansas City Chiefs – Isiah Pachecho and Kareem Hunt Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Given the Kansas City Chiefs unbelievable postseason success in recent years, it feels wrong to put them last on any list. But, if we're being honest, from a running back talent perspective, they are the weakest link in the division. Cheifs RB1 Isiah Pachecho suffered a fractured fibula in Week 2 of the regular season and spent much of Kansas City's 2024 campaign on the Chiefs' injured reserve list. But in the 7 games he played, he only put up 300 yards on the ground. His production was down after the injury, so the Chiefs can only hope that he will bounce back this season. Advertisement Read More: Best NFL tight ends 2025, ranking 10 best NFL tight ends right now At 29 years old, RB2 Kareem Hunt has been a solid RB2 for the Chiefs, but he doesn't have the same burst he once did, and only averaged 3.6 yards per carry last season. As long as they have Patrick Mahomes as their quarterback, the Chiefs will be competitive, but their running back room, without a doubt, needs improvement. Related Headlines
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
4 former Steelers poised for huge 2025 seasons including Justin Fields
The Pittsburgh Steelers took a huge risk this offseason by completely gutting out their skill-position players from top to bottom. Quarterbacks Justin Fields and Russell Wilson are both set to start for other teams, running back Najee Harris as well and wide receiver George Pickens now gets to line up with an elite running mate at receiver. Ultimately, how these four players perform in relation to their replacements will go a long way in terms of public perception of the job head coach Mike Tomlin has done. Let's break out the positions these four find themselves in. Quarterback Justin Fields Fields got a raw deal in Pittsburgh. After going 4-2 as a starter in 2024, Tomlin chose to bench Fields in favor of Wilson, which ended any opportunity to re-sign Fields. Now Fields is the new starting quarterback of the New York Jets and has some excellent weapons around him and a coaching staff willing to tailor things around his skills. Quarterback Russell Wilson No one expected Wilson to come in and win a Super Bowl. But after missing the first six games with a calf injury, Wilson returned last season and started off hot. But after going 6-1 in his first seven starts, the wheels fell off and the team crumbled down the stretch. Now, Wilson is set to start but compete with rookie Jaxson Dart to run what is set up to be an explosive Giants passing game. Running back Najee Harris When Harris signed with the Los Angeles Chargers, we immediately felt like this was the best thing that could happen to him. We love Harris as a player and never felt like he was the best fit in Pittsburgh and didn't have the offensive line to help him be successful. Now, even with rookie Omarion Hampton with the Chargers, Harris is in a great spot to be a much more effecient runner, even if he isn't the full-time starter. Wide receiver George Pickens We hated to see the Steelers trade Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. Even with all his issues, we felt like having DK Metcalf on the team as well as Aaron Rodgers to be the offensive leader would have been great for him. Now, he goes to a near-identical situation with quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb to push his game to the next level. This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Justin Fields, George Pickens, Russell Wilson and George Pickens former Steelers poised for big seasons
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Dallas Cowboys Named Potential Suitor For Ex-Steelers Standout
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. During the offseason, the Dallas Cowboys made a flurry of moves to bolster the cast of offensive weapons around Dak Prescott. With training camp just around the corner, they've been named a possible suitor for a former first-round pick if he were to hit the market. Back in 2021, the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted running back Najee Harris with the 24th overall pick. He went on to become a key piece of the franchise, tallying at least 1,000 yards and six touchdowns in each of his first four seasons. However, despite his consistent production, the Steelers decided to let Harris walk in free agency. He'd go on to find a new home in the AFC, inking a one-year deal with the LA Chargers. Following mandatory minicamp earlier this month, the people at Bleacher Report put together a big board of possible trade candidates in the NFL. Seeing that he's on a one-year deal and the Chargers just drafted a RB, Harris' name popped up. As for teams who could make a run at him in the trade market, the Cowboys were among those mentioned. Expert analysis on the best NFL Anytime Touchdown bets for Giants vs. Steelers, including Steelers RB Najee Harris. Expert analysis on the best NFL Anytime Touchdown bets for Giants vs. Steelers, including Steelers RB Najee read: Cowboys Coach Utters Vote of Confidence in Former Pro Bowler "That said, Harris is on a one-year deal and may not be viewed as a long-term piece for L.A. The Chargers also drafted Omarion Hampton with the No. 22 overall pick in April, and the North Carolina product might walk into an every-down role," wrote BR's Kristopher Knox. "Dallas should consider adding Harris as a high-floor option in its backfield." With a gunslinger in Prescott under center, the run game isn't something the Cowboys typically lean on. That said, bringing in a reliable back could give the offense a much-needed dynamic. Being able to establish a ground game might help open up things for Prescott to utilize his new receiver duo of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. Also read: Kevin Durant Utters Bold Statement on Cowboys Star Micah Parsons Trading for Harris isn't exactly a necessity for the Cowboys, as running back is a position they've secured short and long-term options at. In free agency, they landed a pair of veterans in Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders. Dallas also took a flier on two RBs in Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah. While it might not be a major area of need, monitoring Harris' situation could make sense for the Cowboys as they attempt to compete in a stacked NFC East. For more Dallas Cowboys and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cowboys Trade Pitch For Najee Harris Draws Strong Insider Reaction
Cowboys Trade Pitch For Najee Harris Draws Strong Insider Reaction originally appeared on Athlon Sports. FRISCO - Najee Smith to the Dallas Cowboys ... again? This is The Rumor that Will Not Die. Advertisement Even before Dallas said goodbye to running backs Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott, rumors suggest the team might pursue Steelers' former first-round pick Najee Harris in free agency, often calling him a "perfect'' match in Dallas. At that time, our Cowboys insider Mike Fisher had a firm reaction. "My first response to these sort of hyperbolic reports is that there is no 'perfect' signing,'' Fish says. "Lawrence Taylor wouldn't be 'perfect.' Michael Jordan wouldn't be 'perfect.' And Najee Harris isn't LT or MJ. "Najee (is 28). That's not 'perfect.' He's sort of a plodder, rather than being explosive. That's not 'perfect.' And the Cowboys will need to ask themselves this: 'If Najee is so 'perfect' in 2025 free agency, amid speculation he might get $10 million a year ... why did his own Steelers team decline a fifth-year option on his for 2025 at $6.3 million? Advertisement "If Najee is so 'perfect,' why didn't the Steelers do that deal?'' Now fast-forward to a time when we are weeks away from training camp. The Cowboys had a chance to sign Harris, who offered up a strong 2024 campaign, helping Pittsburgh secure a playoff berth while contending for the AFC North crown; he's a perennial 1,000-yard guy, no doubt. But Dallas passed here, opting instead to sign Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders while drafting Jaydon Blue. But here we go again ... Bleacher Report wants Dallas to trade for Najee! "Teams in need of running back help would at least be wise to call about Harris' availability," B/R wrote. "While he was never a high-level starter with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he was a dependable high-volume back who topped 1,000 rushing yards in all four campaigns. Advertisement "Dallas should consider adding Harris as a high-floor option in its backfield." We're lost. Let's go back to Fish, who reflect on this new attempt to connect Najee to Dallas ... "Najee Harris signed a one-year $5.25 million contract with the Los Angeles Chargers, who I assume are happy with that as they work him in combo with rookie Omarion Hampton,'' Fish says. "It's a month before camp; why are they giving up on Najee now? What happened in L.A.? What changed? "And in Dallas? Again, the Cowboys didn't want to sign him for $5 mil when he was a free agent, but now they should both pay him and give up a pick for him? It defies logic.'' Advertisement We think, Cowboys Nation, you can take that as a "no.'' Related: Micah Parsons Sends Clear Message to Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones Related: Cowboys Rookie Jaydon Blue Reveals Major Plan To Be 'The Next Great Back in Dallas' This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
