NFL Breaking News: Najee Harris Signs One-Year Deal with Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers made a big move, signing one-time Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris to a one-year contract worth a maximum of $9.25 million, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The move reflects the Chargers' adherence to a smash-mouth, run-first philosophy with new head coach Jim Harbaugh as they prepare for a showdown in the competitive AFC West.
Najee Harris Contract
Harris, taken 24th overall in 2021, became a free agent when the Steelers did not exercise his fifth-year option. He has a fresh start in Los Angeles on a deal that is likely loaded with performance incentives. His deal makes him one of the highest-paid running backs in this year's free-agent crop, following huge deals by stars like Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs last offseason.
The Chargers, with whom he has signed after working with tight salary cap constraints, are pinning their hopes on Harris' durability and the capacity to thrive in Harbaugh's run-first offense. With Justin Herbert at quarterback and an improving offensive line, Harris has a golden opportunity to revive his career in a scheme that prioritizes power running.
Najee Harris Stats
In four Pittsburgh seasons, Harris developed into a dependable workhorse, playing all 68 of his eligible contests. He ratched up 1,097 attempts for 4,312 yards (3.9 avg.) and 28 rushing TDs and complemented his output with contributions on receptions with 180 catches for 1,149 yards and six scores.
Though his production dipped slightly in 2024—posting 1,043 rushing yards and six touchdowns—Harris was consistent, showing his durability to take a high workload. His best season was in 2021, when he posted 1,200 rushing yards, seven touchdowns, and was Pro Bowl-bound.
At age 27, Harris still has a lot of tire life left and brings much-needed consistency to the Chargers' running back corps.
Los Angeles Chargers Depth Chart
Harris' signing fills a massive hole in Los Angeles. The team cut veteran Gus Edwards and may also lose J.K. Dobbins, who remains a free agent. Without a clear RB1 before this signing, Harris now comes into a lead role in what will be a ground-based offense under Harbaugh.
The Chargers have also invested in strengthening their offensive line, which is giving Harris a good support system to help him thrive. With quarterback Justin Herbert and young playmakers like Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston at wide receiver, Harris' arrival should take some of the burden off the passing game and give the offense balance.
Los Angeles is clearly going all-out in a physical, ground-and-pound approach, and Harris could be the key to their reaching full potential as they make a push for a 2025 playoff bid.
Player News
Beat reporter Scott Bair reports that Bears DC Dennis Allen asked slot CB Kyler Gordon to learn a second position, either on the perimeter or at safety.
The Bears’ previous coaching staff spent two seasons trying this experiment before allowing Gordon to blossom in a full-time slot- and box-coverage role last season. Perhaps, Allen can succeed where others have failed. His intent is to “find some more playing time” for Gordon, which is understandable given Gordon’s significant on-field impact last year.
Bills signed CB Tre’Davious White, formerly of the Ravens, to a one-year, $6.8 million contract.
White, now 30 years old, returns to the team that drafted him in the 2017 NFL Draft’s first round. White was a force to be reckoned with early in his career, but a 2021 ACL tear and a 2023 Achilles tendon rupture have reduced his play quality. White will now compete for the Bills’ No. 2 perimeter role.
Bills waived TE Armani Rogers.
This is unfortunate. Rogers recently ruptured his Achilles tendon for the second time in three years. He showed promise as a 2022 rookie, earning a 65.3 PFF receiving grade and a 68.0 PFF run-blocking grade, but the injuries are taking their toll. The Bills also released DT Branson Deen.
Titans waived OT Nicholas Petit-Frere.
The team signed C Sam Mustipher and OT Oli Udoh in corresponding moves. Petit-Frere failed to meet expectations after the Titans spent a third-round pick on him in 2022, allowing 35-plus quarterback pressures in 2-of-3 NFL seasons.
Cowboys signed OL Hakeem Adeniji, formerly of the Browns, to a contract.
The former 2020 sixth-round pick last took regular season snaps in 2022. Adeniji spent the 2023 season serving as a part-time special teams player, and although he was technically on the Browns’ 2024 roster, he missed the full season on injured reserve. Adeniji will likely handle a deep-backup/special teams role in Dallas this year.
Free agent QB Aaron Rodgers said on The Pat McAfee Show that he is currently focusing on matters in his personal life while mulling his future in the NFL.
In a wide-ranging discussion with McAfee, Rodgers said that he is still contemplating whether to play in 2025 or retire this offseason, though he has settled on a $10 million asking price, should he choose to stick around. Rodgers repeatedly, yet ambiguously, emphasized that caring for troubled members of his “inner circle” has been his offseason priority. Rodgers spoke positively of his recent visit with the Steelers, praising head coach Mike Tomlin, OC Arthur Smith, GM Omar Khan, QB coach Tom Arth and WR DK Metcalf, whom he called “a specimen” and a “great dude.” Rodgers downplayed reports about pitching Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell on a union, saying much ado has been made about two old “friends” remaining in regular contact. The free agent QB also notably complimented Giants head coach Brian Daboll’s “beautiful football mind” but kept Giants-talk relatively succinct. Rodgers made clear that the rapidly approaching 2025 NFL Draft will have no bearing on his decision-making timeline, and he understands if the Steelers determine that they must move on without him. In short, it appears as though Rodgers will either sign with the Steelers or move on from football. The enigmatic quarterback gave few indications as to which direction he is leaning.