49ers free agency: Is Najee Harris an ideal backup for Christian McCaffrey?

The San Francisco 49ers received more than many anticipated from Christian McCaffrey last season. After an injury-plagued 2024 campaign, some questioned whether the veteran running back could return to elite form. He answered those doubts with 2,126 scrimmage yards and 17 touchdowns while earning NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors.

McCaffrey shouldered a heavy workload, playing 83% of the team's offensive snaps. His primary backup, Brian Robinson Jr.—acquired via trade—played just 17%. With Robinson set to hit free agency, the 49ers must determine how to reinforce the depth chart behind McCaffrey, who is entering his 10th NFL season.

Will San Francisco turn to a younger in-house option, such as second-year back Jordan James, invest another draft pick at the position, or pursue a veteran in NFL free agency?

According to Bleacher Report's Moe Moton, one intriguing option is running back Najee Harris, who he feels is a good fit for the 49ers.

"After four consecutive 1,000-plus-yard rushing seasons in Pittsburgh, Najee Harris only played in three games with the Los Angeles Chargers last season before tearing his Achilles tendon in Week 3," Moton wrote. "The 27-year-old finished the year with 15 carries for 61 yards."

Before last season's injury-shortened campaign, Harris had posted four straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons and scored at least six touchdowns each year. As a rookie with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2021, he logged a career-high 307 carries for 1,200 rushing yards. He spent the 2025 season with the Los Angeles Chargers before suffering the Achilles injury.

Financially, Harris could make sense for the 49ers. Spotrac projects him to land a one-year deal worth approximately $2.9 million in free agency—a manageable figure for San Francisco's salary cap.

"Harris suffered an eye injury in an offseason fireworks incident, which likely factored into his slow start to the 2025 campaign," Moton added. "Due to his Achilles injury, he didn't have a chance to regain momentum out of the backfield alongside Omarion Hampton.

"Because of Harris' modest numbers in a shortened 2025 campaign, he could be an attractive target at a bargain rate for the 49ers if they pursue a physical ball-carrier to replace Robinson."

Harris appeared in all 17 games in each of his first four NFL seasons. If healthy, he could provide a durable complement to McCaffrey in Kyle Shanahan's offense at a potentially team-friendly price.