The Golden State could call Harris back to the West Coast.
Pittsburgh's fanbase is ready to move on from Najee Harris this offseason. The question is, do the Steelers feel the same? Reports coming out of the building are mixed, as some believe they would be shocked if Harris re-signed with the team, while others assume it's possible. We should get a decision soon, with only a couple of weeks to go before free agency.
Most contract projections have Harris signing a new three-year contract worth $9.2 million per season. That would be a nice pay bump after the Steelers declined his fifth-year option. Pittsburgh could allow their former first-round pick to walk in free agency; a particular landing spot could make sense. Harris is from California, so why not return to his home state?
Harris is from the San Francisco area, but three NFL organizations call the massive state home. This pending free agent could love the idea of leaving Pittsburgh and joining the sunny beaches of California. Getting paid mounds of money while finding a more compatible environment could be perfect for the star running back.
Najee Harris could leave Steelers for Los Angeles in free agency
Landing with the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency could be perfect for Harris.
No one with the Steelers would have to worry about paying him money, and the Chargers would land a long-term starter at their running back position. They tried to put a band aid on the problem last season with J.K. Dobbins in the fold. He will also be hitting free agency, but his routine injury history could make them turn toward Harris.
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh loves to use their ground game to complement their passing attack. Dobbins was terrific for them this past year, but you cannot bring him back with his injury concerns. Signing Harris would infuse a back who is consistent on the ground and hasn't missed a game during his NFL career. He isn't a great player, but the former first-round pick would be a great fit in LA.
Connecting the dots between Harris and the Chargers is easy. He fits perfectly with what they want in the position. They would have strong running backs behind on the depth chart to balance out his lack of explosiveness. Los Angeles's offensive line could take Harris's career to new heights. He would struggle to find a better home if he left Pittsburgh.
A strong market in free agency should scare the Steelers away from Harris.
The Steelers must decide on Harris soon. He should have a decent market once he officially becomes a free agent. It would be wise for someone else to pay him the raise he requires. With a strong draft class at the position, investing too much cap room into the running back position wouldn't be wise. Harris and Pittsburgh could mutually accept a divorce.
