According to Ian Rapoport, Harris is meeting with the Raiders next Thursday. Harris played for the Los Angeles Chargers last season, though his season was cut short after suffering an Achilles tear just three games into the year.

Prior to that, Harris surpassed the 1,000-yard mark in all of his four first years in the NFL. However, his stock plummeted and after this injury, he is not seen as an RB1. However, he could be a perfect RB2 below Ashton Jeanty.

Jeanty had an underwhelming rookie season… though it wasn’t his fault

Jeanty had a historic college career. However, he had 975 yards and five touchdowns on 3.7 yards per attempt. While underwhelming, he had no help whatsoever. Not in the playcalling, not in the offensive line, he was trying to make ends meet all by himself.

Jeanty is a speedy, powerful runner. Meanwhile, Harris is strong-yet-shifty, with much more calculus than raw speed. Kubiak said a month ago, “We definitely want a two-man show [at RB]… it’s a long season.” Jeanty and Harris could be a deadly duo.

It could also be great for Harris

Najee is recovering from an Achilles, he can’t be a workhorse anymore. Having Jeanty as a teammate will allow him to shine but not overwork in his return. Kubiak is also a great playcaller who will put him in the right spots and situations.

This offseason, the Seahawks decided not to offer Walker III a new contract, prompting him to sign a three-year, $43 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs and join Patrick Mahomes’ offense.

Zach Charbonnet now appears as the RB1 in the depth chart. Nevertheless, it seems like the Seahawks want to add more depth, with Najee Harris visiting the team on Wednesday.

Najee Harris may have a larger role in Seattle than in Las Vegas

Najee Harris entered the NFL as the 24th overall pick in 2021. He had an immediate impact with the Pittsburgh Steelers, securing over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his first four seasons.

Following his time in Pittsburgh, Harris signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers for the 2025 season. Unfortunately, his campaign was cut short in Week 3 by a torn Achilles. Now a free agent, his best opportunity to return to a high-volume role may be with the Seahawks.

Seattle features a solid offensive line that helped Walker III thrive in 2025. If Harris joins the Seahawks, he would likely lead a committee alongside Zach Charbonnet (who is recovering from a February ACL surgery).

In contrast, joining the Raiders, who Harris will visit next week, would likely see him in a clear “wingman” role behind 2025 first-round standout Ashton Jeanty, who led the league in broken tackles as a rookie.

Veteran leadership, star power and locker-room identity all hang in the balance. Several cornerstone players are nearing the end of their deals, turning long-term planning into an urgent front-office exercise.

What comes next could redefine the team’s direction. Decisions made in the months ahead may signal whether L.A. is doubling down on its core or preparing for a new NFL competitive cycle.

Los Angeles Chargers free agents in 2026

Los Angeles enters the 2026 offseason with a long list of players eligible to hit the open market, and positioning for the future looms large in every front-office discussion. Several notable names — including running back Najee Harris, receiver Keenan Allen and edge rusher Khalil Mack — are listed among the unrestricted free agents who could test free agency this March.

Contract expirations are a natural pressure point in the NFL calendar, especially for teams trying to stay competitive year over year. As deals run out, the team must weigh continuity against flexibility, balancing performance, age and financial impact within a tightly managed salary cap.

For the franchise, these moments often define more than a single season. Allowing contracts to expire can open space for reinvention, while renewals can signal commitment to a specific core. Either path carries consequences that extend well beyond the offseason.

The bad news was confirmed by the team’s head coach, as reported by Adam Schefter: “Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh said RB Omarion Hampton will be placed on injured reserve, sidelining him a minimum of four games due to his ankle injury.”

Four games on the sidelines is a significant loss for the Chargers, especially since Hampton leads the team in rushing yards and is the leader with 2 touchdowns. In contrast, Harris was only available for three games this season, recording 63 yards before his injury.

Chargers’ RB Depth Chart Updated:

• Hassan Haskins
• Kimani Vidal
• Najee Harris (IR)
• Omarion Hampton (IR)

How Good Are Haskins and Vidal?

The immediate focus shifts to the two healthy running backs remaining on the active roster. Vidal is in his second season with the Chargers and has yet to record a rushing touchdown for the team. Last season, he played in 10 games, posting 155 rushing yards and adding one touchdown as a receiver on five receptions.

On the other hand, Haskins is in his third NFL season, having spent 2022 with the Titans. After joining the Chargers in 2024, he had a productive year with 89 rushing yards and 2 rushing touchdowns, along with 49 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.

Another Running Back on the Practice Squad

The Chargers also have an option on the practice squad in Amar Johnson, who has no professional experience but is familiar with the team. He comes from South Dakota, where he played since 2021, and had his best year last season with the Jackrabbits, setting a strong mark of 1,222 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns.

Earlier this year, the Chargers decided to strengthen their backfield. Head coach Jim Harbaugh looked to free agency for a proven player and found Najee Harris on the market.

Los Angeles signed Harris to a one-year, $5.25 million deal after the Steelers declined the fifth-year option on his rookie contract. He was expected to be the team’s RB1, but the Chargers are now forced to find another solution for the rest of the season.

Why is Najee Harris not playing for the Chargers vs. Giants?

The Giants will host the Chargers in Week 4 in what promises to be a tough matchup. Los Angeles enters as the favorite, but Harris’ absence could heavily affect their chances.

In Week 3 against the Broncos, Harris suffered a torn Achilles. The running back collapsed to the ground on a play where QB Justin Herbert even had to leap over him to keep the play alive.

Harris was ruled out immediately, and after further testing, the Chargers confirmed the injury would sideline him for the remainder of the season.

Who will be the Chargers’ new starting running back?

Luckily for Los Angeles, they have a solid backup option. Rookie Omarion Hampton, the team’s No. 22 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, will now step up as RB1.

Hampton has already shown promise, and his workload is expected to increase significantly in Harris’ absence. Through three games, he has recorded 42 carries for 142 yards and one touchdown.

With Harris expected to be out for considerable time, rookie Omarion Hampton will see his workload increased going forward. Though Hampton was already the leading ballcarrier for Los Angeles, it’s safe to assume he will get even more snaps now.

The product out of the North Carolina Tar Heels is trending to be the undisputed number one tailback in Los Angeles. Moreover, Hassan Haskins will climb the ladder from his third-string role to the No. 2 spot in the backfield alongside quarterback Justin Herbert.

Expect some movements

While Herbert and the Chargers have big expectations for the former first round selection in 2025 Hampton, Los Angeles is expected to address the void at the half-back position. Harris’ injury is yet to be confirmed, but it doesn’t look nice, whatsoever.

Non-contact knocks always raise alarms in the NFL. According to insider Tom Pelissero, the Chargers downgraded Harris to out with an ankle injury. Once the game against the Broncos comes to an end, expect the Bolts to make phone calls around the league to add another running back to their current room.

As it stands, there are only two active tailbacks in the Chargers’ backfield. Potential moves could involve Amar Johnson and Kimani Vidal, who are currently in L.A.’s practice squad. The latter feels like the most probable option as Vidal appeared in 10 games last season with the Bolts.

Either way, Harris’ absence if confirmed to be long-time will be a tough blow to Herbert and the Chargers’ morale heading into crucial stages of the 2025 NFL season.

Two of the top contenders in the AFC West this year will go head-to-head in the season opener, and fortunately for Jim Harbaugh’s team, a potential key offensive weapon is reportedly trending toward seeing playing time.

Najee Harris joined the Chargers this past offseason, though an eye injury in July prevented him from preparing at full capacity. Still, according to head coach, he has been cleared for contact and there’s a possibility he plays against Andy Reid’s team.

“He’s looked really good in practice,” Harbaugh said in his Monday press conference.

Aiming to be a true contender

With head coach Jim Harbaugh now firmly entrenched in his second season, the Los Angeles Chargers are on a mission to finally dethrone the Kansas City Chiefs and seize control of the AFC West. After an 11-win campaign and a playoff berth in Harbaugh’s debut year, the Chargers are no longer a long-shot contender.

They are built for a championship run, with a physical, run-first philosophy that aims to grind down opponents. The key to their ultimate success, however, remains franchise quarterback Justin Herbert. While he led the Chargers to the postseason, Herbert’s playoff record still stands at 0-2, and he’s looking for a breakout season that culminates in a Super Bowl bid.

The Chargers‘ ability to unseat a dynasty and prove they are true contenders will hinge on Herbert’s ability to not only deliver a spectacular regular season but also lead his team to victory in the high-stakes pressure of the playoffs.

The first challenges for the Chargers

With the main goal of starting the new NFL season on the right foot, these are the first matchups the Chargers will face:

• @ Kansas City Chiefs, September 5
• @ Las Vegas Raiders, September 15
• vs Denver Broncos, September 21
• @ New York Giants, September 28
• vs Washington Commanders, October 5

Najee Harris packed up his gear in Pittsburgh and headed to the West Coast, becoming one of the most notable moves in the league over the past few months. However, a domestic accident has raised concerns heading into the upcoming season.

On July 4th, a fireworks-related incident caused a minor eye injury for the RB. Despite the scare, his availability for Jim Harbaugh’s squad at the start of the season is not expected to be in danger.

“The injury was ‘superficial,’ and that neither Harris’ vision nor football health is in long-term doubt,” the NFL insider Patrick Daugherty revealed.

A new season filled with hope

The Los Angeles Chargers are aiming to finally dethrone the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West this season. With Jim Harbaugh at the helm, they plan a more balanced offense, leaning on running backs Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton to complement Justin Herbert’s passing game.

A major key to their success will be avoiding the injuries that have plagued them. Staying healthy across the roster is crucial for a deep playoff run, with Harbaugh’s disciplined approach hopefully leading to a more durable team.

Ultimately, the Chargers envision a Super Bowl appearance. With an elite quarterback, strong coaching, and new talent, they believe this is the year they can win the AFC West and compete for the championship.

The first tests await the Chargers

With the primary goal of positioning themselves as AFC contenders, these will be the early steps the Chargers must overcome if they hope to start the upcoming season on the right foot.

• @ Kansas City Chiefs, September 5th – Arena Corinthians
• @ Las Vegas Raiders, September 15th – Allegiant Stadium
• vs Denver Broncos – September 21st
• @ New York Giants – September 28th – MetLife Stadium
• vs Washington Commanders – October 5th

It can be said that Jim Harbaugh, with a fully healthy roster, boasts one of the most dangerous offensive units in the league — or at least in the AFC West.

Selected in the first round with the 22nd pick of the latest draft, Hampton is considered one of the top prospects at his position. In recent statements to the media, he expressed his excitement about what he can accomplish alongside former Steelers star Najee Harris.

“We know they’re going to run the ball, so I’m loving it,” Hampton said via The Jim Rome Show. “I’m excited, we got me and Najee, a dominant duo backfield. I’m excited to learn from him, I’m excited to get out there. We got a good offensive line, a good quarterback. I feel like we’re building something special here.”

Hampton expresses excitement about working with Jim Harbaugh

This new chapter in Omarion Hampton’s career will not only grant him the privilege of sharing the field with some of the best players in the NFL, but also the opportunity to work with one of the most experienced head coaches in the league today.

The running back, who in recent statements expressed great excitement about playing alongside players of the caliber of Justin Herbert and Najee Harris, knows he’s facing a unique opportunity to be coached by someone who can fully unlock his potential.

“We know (Harbaugh)’s going to run the ball, he’s decided to run the ball and it’s something he wants to do,” the talented RB said. “He did it all his career, so I’m just excited to get started. With him being my head coach, I couldn’t be more happy.“

Harbaugh’s main goal with Herbert

While it’s clear that the Chargers will fight against all odds to reach the long-awaited Super Bowl, HC Jim Harbaugh also has a top priority for Justin Herbert heading into the upcoming NFL season: turning him into a future Hall of Famer.

“I just woke up the other day and say, got to get Justin Herbert to the Hall of Fame. Must get Justin Herbert to the Hall of Fame. It’s just one of those things where you wake up and kind of like three, four in the morning. And sometimes that’s when your best ideas come,“ the head coach said on The Rich Eisen Show.

Unsurprisingly, Harris’ criticism didn’t sit well with his former teammates. During a recent appearance on Christin Kuntz’s podcast, Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth revealed he talked to the running back about it.

“It’s going to be tough, but I’m happy for [Harris] and his new opportunity,” Freiermuth said. “I didn’t agree with the way he went out. I called him about it, and we talked. Every guy is different.”

Freiermuth and Harris were part of the same draft class, with both being selected by the Steelers in 2021. They will face each other for the first time in the NFL this year, and even though Freiermuth knows Harris will be locked in, he warned the running back that Pittsburgh will play even tougher.

“…We play L.A. this year. You know he’s going to be running hard—but we’re going to be hitting him harder,” Freiermuth warned Harris, with the Steelers set to visit the Chargers in the 2025 NFL season.

Harris’ criticism of Tomlin after leaving Steelers

Harris never hid his displeasure with the way the Steelers’ offense worked, with the running back often calling out the coaches after games. Even after signing with the Chargers, the 27-year-old took a shot at Tomlin.

“We just didn’t know anything on offense really,” Harris said. “We didn’t have any identity. We had a young guy coming in at QB. I really didn’t have nobody to almost learn from on the offensive side.”

A new-look offense for the Steelers in 2025

The Steelers’ offense will look different in the 2025 NFL season, with the team adding an interesting weapon in wide receiver DK Metcalf. But they still have an important decision to make at quarterback.

Tomlin and company are still waiting for Aaron Rodgers to provide a definitive answer about his future, though the Draft could also see them land a new QB. In the meantime, Mason Rudolph is giving the team some insurance at the position.

Harris has signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Chargers worth up to $9.25 million. The former Steelers running back will have the opportunity to be a key piece in the ground attack, with the expectation of fitting into quarterback Justin Herbert’s offense.

Getting used to a new workplace can often mean being surprised by different approaches when switching teams. That’s exactly what Harris illustrates, as he had been in Pittsburgh since 2021 and now sees Harbaugh as a coach with a remarkable methodology.

Harris’ message about HC Jim Harbaugh

“I mean, this dude is calling out just doing everything, but that showed how much of a down-to-earth cool guy he is. He’s the same guy, man. He’s always energetic, man. He’s always the life of the party, so he’s just a good guy to be around, down to earth, and he makes you feel comfortable,” Harris said about Harbaugh, according to Kris Rhim of ESPN.com.

Harris and Harbaugh had met previously

Harris will play for Harbaugh on the Chargers, in a combination that could be profitable for Los Angeles, mostly because the two already know each other. The former Steelers running back said Harbaugh recruited him to Michigan in 2017. Even at the time, it was the coach who attended the player’s homecoming game, wearing his high school colors.

Details of Harris’ departure from the Steelers

Najee Harris joined the Chargers in free agency after four seasons with the Steelers, where he was their primary running back and amassed over 4,000 rushing yards. Pittsburgh chose not to exercise his fifth-year option, allowing him to explore the market. Harbaugh’s presence was a key factor in his decision to go to Los Angeles.