Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris finds himself at a career crossroads just months after signing with the Los Angeles Chargers, as his new team drafted Omarion Hampton in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. While Harris entered the offseason expecting a fresh opportunity in Los Angeles, the addition of Hampton—a dynamic and powerful runner from North Carolina—could jeopardize his role as the team’s lead back before he ever takes a snap in powder blue.
Hampton’s Arrival Puts Pressure on Harris
Despite being listed as the starter on the Chargers’ depth chart, Harris now faces a legitimate threat to his touches and overall status. First-round draft picks, especially at the running back position, are typically expected to contribute right away, and Hampton’s combination of explosiveness and pass-catching ability makes him a likely favorite in new head coach Jim Harbaugh’s offense.
Hampton was one of the top backs in college football in 2024, and the Chargers made a significant investment in selecting him in Round 1. That kind of draft capital suggests the franchise is looking at Hampton as a feature back, not just a complementary piece.
Contract Complications & Compensatory Pick Concerns
Harris signed a deal with the Chargers worth $5.25 million, with incentives that could push it over $9 million. However, with Hampton expected to eat into his workload, Harris may struggle to hit the performance benchmarks needed to unlock those bonuses. This not only impacts Harris’ personal earnings but could have implications for his former team, the Steelers, as well.
Under the NFL’s compensatory pick formula, teams that lose qualifying free agents can receive additional draft picks based on the player’s contract size and expected contributions. But if Harris ends up playing a secondary role or is released outright, the compensatory pick the Steelers were in line to receive may drop in value—or vanish altogether.
Harris’ Consistency Overshadowed by Scheme Fit
Harris was the 24th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and became one of the most durable and consistent players in the NFL during his time in Pittsburgh. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his first four seasons, joining a rare club of just 14 running backs in league history to hit that mark. Even more impressively, he never missed a game during that span.
However, his style—a physical, downhill approach that thrives in gap schemes—didn’t mesh well with new Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s outside zone-heavy philosophy. As a result, the Steelers declined Harris’ fifth-year option, which would have paid him nearly $7 million, and instead allowed him to test free agency.
The writing was on the wall when Harris’ efficiency dipped in 2024, making it clear that while his production was solid, the fit was no longer ideal in Pittsburgh.
What’s Next for Najee Harris?
Now with the Chargers, Harris must prove that he can adapt to a new role or scheme—perhaps even as a 1B to Hampton’s 1A. While he brings veteran experience, pass protection skills, and durability, it remains to be seen whether that will be enough to fend off the younger, more explosive Hampton.
If Harris ends up playing a backup role, it could mark a significant turning point in his career trajectory. Still only 27, he may still have several good years left, but if he fails to carve out a defined role in Los Angeles, he could become yet another early-career workhorse backburned by the brutal shelf life of NFL running backs.
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