Najee Harris was one of many prime prospects within the 2021 NFL Draft, and the Pittsburgh Steelers used their first-round choice on the operating again.
4 years after he was the No. 24 choose, Harris’ tenure with the Steelers has come to an finish. The Professional Bowler entered the free company market and agreed to a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Throughout his introductory press convention together with his new group, Harris admitted he got here to the conclusion that his time with the Steelers was operating out.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Pittsburgh Steelers operating again Najee Harris takes half in a drill throughout a apply Could 25, 2022, on the Steelers’ apply complicated in Pittsburgh. (Brandon Sloter/Icon Sportswire through Getty Photos)
“Me and coach T [Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin], we’re fairly shut in sure methods, so I type of knew what was coming,” Harris said. “I did not plan on doing it. It wasn’t one thing that was within the plan or something.”
DK METCALF DOWNPLAYS STEELERS’ QB CONCERNS, VOWS TO HELP ‘WHOEVER’ ENDS UP ‘THROWING THE FOOTBALL’
Ultimately month’s NFL Scouting Mix in Indianapolis, Steelers basic supervisor Omar Khan mentioned the group hadn’t “closed the door” on Harris returning.
Harris mentioned he was at all times conscious of the enterprise aspect of the NFL.
“However it’s a enterprise. Coach T instructed me that after I was a rookie. Even in my final 12 months, he would inform me, ‘That is the enterprise aspect of issues,’” Harris added. “I simply took that, and I understood it. I simply knew that may be my final 12 months. … Perhaps, like, midway by means of the tip of the season, I type of knew that.”
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlim, left, and operating again Najee Harris (22) speak throughout warmups earlier than a recreation in opposition to the Baltimore Ravens at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh Nov. 17, 2024. (Charles LeClaire/Imagn Photos)
Whereas Harris skilled some ups and downs in Pittsburgh, his general manufacturing was constant. He completed all 4 of his seasons with the Steelers with at the very least 1,000 speeding yards. He was additionally sturdy, showing in all 68 regular-season video games throughout his four-year run with the storied franchise.
Steelers operating again Najee Harris runs the ball close to the Ravens’ objective line in opposition to the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Financial institution Stadium Jan. 6, 2024, in Baltimore. (Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire through Getty Photos)
Harris did need to take care of some instability alongside Pittsburgh’s offensive line and a few turnover on the quarterback place throughout his stint with the Steelers. Harris shared passionate feedback after the Steelers dropped a recreation to the Cleveland Browns halfway by means of the 2023 season. The group later moved on from offensive coordinator Matt Canada.
The Steelers declined to train Harris’ fifth-year choice final 12 months.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Harris expressed pleasure concerning the expertise alongside the Chargers’ offensive line.
“The identification is what makes the performs, the integrity of how it’s,” Harris mentioned. “And that is what introduced me right here. Watching their video games all through the season, to see how their O-line works, how good their line is and the way they end and the integrity that they convey.
“I really feel like that is what makes the performs is the O-line. They’ve a great O-line right here, so I simply wish to take benefit.”
Harris rushed for 4,312 yards in his 4 seasons with the Steelers. He added 83 yards on the bottom over three postseason video games.
Comply with Fox Information Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
