Los Angeles, CA – June 24, 2025
Najee Harris, the former Pittsburgh Steelers star running back, is stirring tension in Los Angeles just months after joining the Chargers. Insiders reveal that Harris, who signed a one-year, $9.25 million deal in the 2025 offseason, is deeply frustrated with the team’s disorganized practices, unclear offensive strategy, and lack of team chemistry following OTAs.
Harris, a 2021 Pro Bowler with the Steelers, powered Pittsburgh’s run game for four seasons, rushing for 3,269 yards and 22 touchdowns across 51 starts. His move to the Chargers was meant to ignite a backfield that ranked 24th in rushing yards in 2024 (ESPN). But the offseason has exposed glaring issues in the Chargers’ setup.
Sources close to the team say Harris has privately vented about the Chargers’ coaching staff and their lack of direction. “I came here expecting a clear plan to win, but it’s all over the place,” Harris reportedly told a teammate, per The Athletic’s Daniel Popper. “No structure in practice—guys are lost, and the playbook’s a puzzle. It’s not like Pittsburgh.”
Chargers receive: Najee Harris (RB)
Steelers receive: 2025 third-round pick, 2026 fifth-round pick
The practice field has been chaotic. Insiders describe sloppy drills, misaligned blocking schemes, and players clashing over assignments. The Los Angeles Times noted Harris skipped the final OTA session, spotted back in Alabama, signaling his discontent. “It’s a mess,” a source quoted Harris saying. “No rhythm, no unity—how do we build an offense like this?”
Harris’s attempts to rally the backfield and offensive line have fallen flat, with some players resisting head coach Jim Harbaugh’s new system. The lack of cohesion worries the 27-year-old, who thrived in the Steelers’ disciplined, run-heavy approach under Mike Tomlin.
Chargers fans are split on X. “Harris is right—this team’s sloppy!” one fan posted. Others fired back: “Quit whining, Najee! You’re not a Steeler anymore!” The fanbase, still stinging from a 7-10 season, fears this early discord could sink 2025 playoff hopes.
Harbaugh, praised for past turnarounds, faces heat to unify the squad. With Justin Herbert at QB and an offense banking on Harris and Gus Edwards, the clock is ticking to fix the dysfunction before training camp.
