Pittsburgh, PA – June 25, 2025
He once symbolized the physical identity of the Steelers’ offense — a tough, ground-and-pound philosophy built for AFC North football. Though Pittsburgh has since reshaped its backfield and offensive mindset, whispers of a familiar face returning to the Steel City are beginning to surface.
The team is currently preparing for the 2025 season with Jaylen Warren expected to take on a lead role, backed by unproven rookies and a restructured offensive line. But as training camp nears, Pittsburgh’s lack of veteran depth at running back has become a quiet concern inside the building.
Enter Najee Harris, the former first-round pick who signed a one-year deal with the Chargers earlier this offseason. After just a few months in Los Angeles, he’s already being discussed as a potential cut candidate, with rookie Omarion Hampton stealing early reps and momentum. That scenario has fueled speculation that Harris could return to the very team that once built its offense around him.
NFL analyst Anthony Palacios of Last Word on Sports laid it out bluntly: “If the Chargers move on from Najee, the Steelers make the most logical sense. He knows the system, knows the staff, and that locker room still has respect for him.”
Harris rushed for over 3,200 yards and added 22 touchdowns across three seasons in Pittsburgh. Though his final year lacked the explosiveness fans had hoped for, his toughness, durability, and presence in short-yardage and pass protection were never questioned. Behind the scenes, he remained a respected figure in the locker room — and perhaps most importantly, never wanted to leave.
“It’s home,” Harris said recently on a podcast. “If I ever get a chance to go back and finish what I started, I’d do it in a heartbeat.”
The Steelers haven’t commented on the possibility, but history shows they’re willing to give second chances when the fit is right. With running back depth a looming issue and training camp battles ahead, a return for Harris would bring both experience and emotional firepower to a team aiming to reclaim its identity.
Whether the prediction becomes reality or not, one thing is certain: Pittsburgh hasn’t forgotten Najee Harris — and the feeling might just be mutual.
Stay tuned to ESPN!
