Things aren’t looking great for former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris. Despite signing with the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency, he’s already being floated as a possible trade candidate ahead of training camp.
At first, Harris seemed to have landed in an ideal spot. The Chargers needed a new starting running back, and head coach Jim Harbaugh is known for emphasizing the run game. With a one-year contract, Harris had a chance to make an impact and re-enter the free agent market strong in 2026. But then came the NFL Draft.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox highlighted Harris as a potential early trade candidate on June 21, noting that Los Angeles selected Omarion Hampton with the No. 22 overall pick. The rookie from North Carolina is expected to step into a lead role right away. Knox wrote, “Harris is on a one-year deal and might not be in L.A.’s long-term plans.”
Although Knox acknowledged that Harbaugh values depth in the backfield, he questioned whether Harris’ position on the roster is secure. He suggested that teams needing help at running back should consider reaching out about Harris, pointing out that while he wasn’t elite in Pittsburgh, he consistently surpassed 1,000 rushing yards in each of his four seasons.
What was most surprising about the trade talk, however, were the potential landing spots mentioned next.
Knox identified both the Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Steelers as possible trade destinations. While Dallas could use a reliable, steady presence in the backfield, Pittsburgh’s inclusion raised eyebrows.
“Dallas should take a look at Harris as a dependable option,” Knox said, also mentioning, “The Steelers might want to bring back the 27-year-old now that they’ve added Aaron Rodgers.”
He acknowledged that Pittsburgh already signed Kenneth Gainwell, drafted Kaleb Johnson, and plans to increase Jaylen Warren’s role. Still, Knox pointed out that the team admitted losing Harris had altered their backfield plans. Reacquiring him, he argued, could help support Rodgers with a strong running game.
However, a Harris reunion with Pittsburgh seems far-fetched.
Aside from the Chargers likely holding onto Harris for now, Pittsburgh invested a third-round pick in Johnson to help fill the void. More importantly, Harris didn’t leave the Steelers on good terms. After joining the Chargers, he criticized the team’s facilities and their lack of offensive direction following Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement.
Whether his comments were fueled by frustration over contract negotiations or simply a parting shot, the relationship appears strained. With new backs in place and Harris seemingly burning bridges, a return to Pittsburgh seems highly unlikely—making this trade speculation more fantasy than reality.
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