Hoping to pair Justin Herbert with a potent running game, the Chargers reached an agreement with free-agent running back Najee Harris, according to multiple reports.
Harris, who reportedly agreed to a one-year, $9.25-million deal, made more than $4 million last season with the Steelers. The 27-year-old has rushed for more than 1,000 yards in four consecutive seasons and went to the Pro Bowl as a rookie in 2021. He rushed for 1,043 yards and six touchdowns in 263 carries over 17 games last season. He also had three games with 100-plus rushing yards.
In need of a boost to the running game that was held to just 50 yards in a wild-card loss to the Houston Texans, the Chargers released running back Gus Edwards on Monday and could still re-sign running back J.K. Dobbins, who rushed for a career-best 905 yards last season.
Despite entering Monday’s negotiating period with the second-most available salary-cap space in the league, the Chargers didn’t reach any significant agreements. The team checked off its most important item by re-signing edge rusher Khalil Mack to a one-year, $18 million deal. Along with re-signing center Bradley Bozeman, defensive lineman Teair Tart and punter JK Scott, the team also reportedly agreed to terms with former Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson to a two-year, $13 million deal.
The Chargers had success signing free agents to one-year contracts last season as Dobbins, defensive lineman Poona Ford and cornerback Kristian Fulton were among the players who turned short-term contracts into career years. Ford already parlayed his success into a three-year contract with the Rams.
General manager Joe Hortiz said at the NFL scouting combine last month that the team targeted “prove-it type guys” during free agency last year and could use the same pitch this year.
“Come here, you’re going to get an opportunity to compete. That’s the same pitch this year,” Hortiz said. “But we backed it up. We lived out our words. Come in, earn the job, you’re going to start, you’re going to play, you’re going to create an opportunity for yourself.”
After a significant defensive turnaround in the first year under coach Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers may pivot their offseason focus to bolster an offense that was lacking playmakers around Herbert last season. The Chargers rushed for just 50 yards in their wild-card loss to Houston, and Herbert also struggled with a career-worst four interceptions.
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