Najee Harris Reflects on Free Agency Move, Reveals He 'Just Knew' Steelers Run Was Over

Najee Harris, a first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers, has officially closed the chapter on his tenure with the team. After four seasons, the Pro Bowl running back has signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Chargers, marking a new beginning.

During his introductory press conference with the Chargers, Harris shared that he had an inkling last season would be his final one in Pittsburgh. "Me and coach T [Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin], we're pretty close in certain ways, so I kind of knew what was coming," Harris admitted, adding that while it wasn't planned, he could sense the inevitability of change.

Steelers general manager Omar Khan had suggested at last month's NFL Scouting Combine that the team hadn’t "closed the door" on Harris returning. But Harris, ever aware of the business side of the NFL, seemed to have already accepted his fate. "It’s a business. Coach T told me that when I was a rookie," Harris said. "Even in my last year, he would tell me, ‘This is the business side of things.’ I just took that, and I understood it. I knew that would be my last year … halfway through the end of the season, I kind of knew that."

Despite some ups and downs during his time in Pittsburgh, Harris delivered consistent performances, rushing for at least 1,000 yards in each of his four seasons. He also proved durable, playing all 68 regular-season games during his stint with the Steelers. However, it wasn’t always smooth sailing—he dealt with an unstable offensive line and quarterback changes, and the team even parted ways with offensive coordinator Matt Canada during a tumultuous 2023 season.

Harris expressed excitement about joining the Chargers, particularly praising their offensive line. "The identity is what makes the plays, the integrity of how it is," Harris said. "Watching their games throughout the season, to see how their O-line works, how good their line is and how they finish—it’s their integrity that brought me here. They have a good O-line, so I just want to take advantage."

In his four years with the Steelers, Harris rushed for an impressive 4,312 yards and added 83 postseason rushing yards. While it’s clear he’s closing one chapter, he seems eager to begin another in Los Angeles.