The Los Angeles Chargers will be looking to create a more consistent and dominant rushing attack in 2025. The team did well with J.K. Dobbins last season but the running game clearly suffered in the four games he missed with injury.
With Dobbins now a free agent, the Chargers have a chance to completely revamp the rushing attack this coming season. One big decision has already been made as the team chose to part ways with Gus Edwards on Friday night. That left the team with a very shallow depth chart at the position.
Ian Valentino of The 33rd Team made some predictions for the top free agents at the running back position as far as where they will sign this offseason. He has the Las Vegas Raiders signing Dobbins and the Chargers replacing him with Najee Harris.
“Given his 240-pound frame and the natural strength that comes with his bulk, Harris’ physicality will match Jim Harbaugh’s offensive philosophy. Harris isn’t as pulverizing as his size suggests, but there is still value in upgrading their run-blocking if the Chargers can. That’s a critical part of a Harris signing working out, though, as he’s not elusive nor overly creative.
The Chargers had the fourth-worst run-blocking offensive line in 2024, so that has to improve. Assuming it does through personnel upgrades and tweaks, Harris can serve as a hammer without breaking the bank for the Chargers”, wrote Valentino.
Dobbins, who rushed for 905 yards last season, revitalized his career in L.A. and was nominated for NFL Comeback Player of the Year. But it’s hard to argue that Harris, who has rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, wouldn’t be a better overall fit for what Jim Harbaugh likes to do.
Harris is a tough, between-the-tackles runner who is also an effective receiver out of the backfield. In addition to his 4,312 yards rushing in his career, he has caught 180 passes. The Chargers could sign Harris to be their bellcow running back and sprinkle in the likes of Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins.
This is also a deep draft class at running back so the Chargers would have ample opportunity to find a solid No. 2 option.
Harris would be more expensive than Dobbins… by a considerable margin. Spotrac estimates Harris’ market value at $9.2 annually as opposed to $4.1 million per season for Dobbins. That could be pricey for a running back but the Chargers have the money to spend. Following the release of Edwards, the team has the second-most available cap space behind only the New England Patriots.
The Chargers could choose to bring Dobbins back after the nice season he had, but the idea of adding a player like Harris does seem like a move Harbaugh would make.
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