Najee Harris

NFL running back. Position: RB. Status: Unsigned Free Agent (as of June 2026).

Quick Facts

Position: RB (Running Back)
Team: Unsigned (formerly Chargers, 2025)
College: Alabama
Draft: Round 1, Pick 24, 2021 NFL Draft (Pittsburgh Steelers)
NFL Experience: 5 seasons (2021-2025)

2026 Outlook

Harris remains unsigned following a torn Achilles injury suffered in Week 3 of the 2025 season with the Los Angeles Chargers. The injury has delayed team interest significantly, as most organizations want to monitor his recovery before committing. Harris visited with the Seattle Seahawks and Las Vegas Raiders in late March, but both teams subsequently drafted running backs and have crowded depth charts.

Key recovery challenge: Harris is a larger back (6-1, 240+ lbs), which historically makes post-Achilles return more difficult than for lighter-footed backs. However, recent examples like J.K. Dobbins show elite RBs can return to effectiveness, though not always at prior explosiveness levels. Harris's three-down skillset (rushing, receiving, pass protection) could broaden his landing opportunities when teams experience attrition during training camp and preseason.

Potential 2026 landing spots include:

Baltimore Ravens: As a handcuff to Derrick Henry; Ravens have Eddie Faulkner (Harris's longtime RB coach from Pittsburgh) on staff
Green Bay Packers: Suddenly relevant after Josh Jacobs' legal issues; Harris would provide veteran lead-back experience
Chicago Bears: Insurance behind D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai in Ben Johnson's offense
Cincinnati Bengals: As a backup to Chase Brown with familiarity from divisional matchups

His 2025 season was shortened by both a July fireworks accident (eye injury) and the Achilles tear, ending a relatively disappointing stint as a $5.25M "prove-it" free agent. However, his track record includes four consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons to start his career with Pittsburgh, demonstrating elite volume potential when healthy (per Najee Harris exploring landing spots after Achilles injury).

Role / Depth Chart

Unsigned. If signed, likely to serve as a backup or committee back while rehabbing from Achilles injury. Full-time starting role probability depends on landing spot and other RBs' health.

Injury Status

Torn Achilles (Week 3, 2025 season). Recovering. Return timeline unclear; teams monitoring rehab closely before committing. Expected to miss start of 2026 season.

Recent News

2026-05-27 — Top Free Agent Landing Spots For RB Najee Harris (Najee Harris exploring landing spots after Achilles injury)

Open Questions

Which team will sign Harris, and what role will he fill in 2026?
Can Harris return to form after Achilles injury, or will his explosiveness remain diminished?
Will Harris sign before or during training camp once team attrition clarifies depth chart needs?