Does Running Back Najee Harris Have A Future With The Chargers? 

After signing a one-year contract, running back Najee Harris talked in his first press conference about being a versatile, all-around back who could also be used in a receiving position. He detailed his offseason program, such as swimming, stretching, yoga, and working with executive director of player performance, Ben Herbert.

The expectations were high for someone who, since entering the NFL in 2021, had 1,000 rushing yards every single season. And when the Chargers drafted running back Omarion Hampton, 22nd in the first round, who also had multiple 1,000 rushing yard seasons, with double digits in rushing touchdowns in 2023 and 2024, it seemed like a match made in heaven.

But then the injuries crept up, and it all went downhill.

Najee Harris’ 2025 Season

Najee Harris didn’t have a good offseason. Having sustained an eye injury from fireworks on July 4th, he was placed on the non-football injury list by the start of training camp. The first signs of visible activity from Harris didn’t even come until day 13 of camp, where, according to Daniel Popper of The Athletic, Harris“had his helmet on while he did walking laps around the practice field.”

Harris progressed to jogging and some drills on day 18 and was ultimately added to the 53-man roster.

Najee Harris progressed enough to participate in the first three regular-season games but only played a handful of snaps, resulting in 61 total rushing yards.

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He briefly showed off his receiving skills in Week 1 against the Chiefs and Week 2 against the Raiders with three total receptions for 25 receiving yards. But then in Week 3 against the Broncos, Najee Harris’ season came to an abrupt end when he tore his ACL.

And with those two injuries, one sidelining him for the majority of camp and the other for the season, it’s not yet clear what the best option is for him moving forward. 

Harris’ Future With Los Angeles Chargers

Running back Kimani Vidal, who didn’t make the initial 53-man roster, managed to get onto the practice squad and was eventually signed to the roster permanently after an ankle injury put Hampton on injured reserve.

Vidal played a career high in snaps with career highs in regular season rushing yards (643) and touchdowns (three). Vidal was an exclusive rights free agent but was recently tendered by the team. The Chargers do have a good amount of cap space, but also have a lot of other free agents to re-sign with additional needs in free agency and the draft, especially along the offensive line.

Some of the top backs left in free agency could be too pricey, which makes Harris an attractive option to re-sign, but the injury does make his future production unpredictable. He’s been very durable, though, so maybe he’ll come back stronger.

And the Chargers do have another running back, unrestricted free agent Hassan Haskins, to consider. Exclusive rights free agent Jaret Patterson was just extended.

Besides Najee Harris, Vidal seems to be the sure bet amongst the unit that will really add to the offense this coming season.