As the NFL offseason continues, Najee Harris, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ workhorse running back, is set to hit free agency. With four straight 1,000-yard seasons, unmatched durability (never missing a game), and a knack for catching passes (180 receptions in four years), Harris is a top prize in the 2025 free agent class. Today, we’ll break down the top 5 landing spots for the veteran RB during this exciting 2025 NFL free agency period.
Najee Harris Top 5 Landing Spots for the Veteran RB in NFL Free Agency
Unfortunately, the Steelers declined Harris’s fifth-year option. As a result, this signals a likely departure. With a projected market value of $9-12 million annually, teams are lining up for the 27-year-old bruiser. From the Los Angeles Chargers to the Minnesota Vikings, here are the five most realistic landing spots for Najee Harris in 2025, based on cap space, team needs, and offensive fit.
1. Los Angeles Chargers: Harbaugh’s Dream Back
The Chargers, armed with $66.3 million in cap space (fifth-most in the NFL), need a reliable running back with J.K. Dobbins hitting free agency after an injury-prone 2024. Additionally, Jim Harbaugh’s run-first philosophy thrives with a durable, physical runner.
Furthermore, Harris, who was born in California, fits like a glove. His 255+ carries per season and decent enough pass-catching ability (74 catches as a rookie) would ease the load on Justin Herbert while complementing rookie Ladd McConkey.
2. Minnesota Vikings: McCarthy’s New Sidekick
Aaron Jones’s one-year stint ends after a standout 2024 (1,138 rushing yards), leaving the Vikings searching for a back to support J.J. McCarthy. With $67.1 million in cap space (seventh-most), Minnesota can afford Harris, whose versatility shines in Kevin O’Connell’s creative offense. Imagine Harris racking up carries and targets alongside Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson. Overall, this offense feels like a fantastic match.
3. Dallas Cowboys: Jerry’s Big Splash
Dallas’s ground game stumbled early in 2024 (27th in rushing yards) before Rico Dowdle’s late surge (1,079 yards). However, with Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott both free agents, the RB room is bare. Additionally, Jerry Jones loves marquee moves. Ultimately, Harris could be the proven RB1 to pair with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. With $14.5 million in cap space (expandable via restructures), this fits Jones’s style.
4. Las Vegas Raiders: Carroll’s Ground Game Fixer
The Raiders’ run game was a disaster in 2024 (dead last at 79.8 yards per game). Additionally, with $92 million in cap space (second-most), new coach Pete Carroll has the resources to fix it. Harris, a Maxx Crosby-endorsed target (per “The Rush” podcast), would thrive as the centerpiece of a run-heavy rebuild. However, the shaky quarterback situation (Russell Wilson or a rookie?) adds risk. Still, the cap room and need make this realistic.
5. Denver Broncos: Nix’s Unsung Hero
Denver’s backfield duo of Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin underwhelmed in 2024. More importantly, with $56.1 million in cap space, Sean Payton can upgrade. Harris’s durability and 45-catch-per-season average align with Payton’s versatile scheme. Ultimately, it will support Bo Nix’s growth after a 2024 playoff run.
Other Possible Landing Sports for Najee Harris
The Chicago Bears could pair Harris with D’Andre Swift for a dynamic duo, leveraging $62.8 million in cap space, though a 2025 NFL Draft pick might take priority. However, Steelers’ return isn’t impossible as GM Omar Khan hasn’t closed the door. However, Jaylen Warren’s rise and a tight $15.8 million cap make it a long shot. In the end, returning to his former team is a realistic possibility and is often the case during NFL free agency periods.
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