Najee Harris enters training camp as one of the best free agents still available. Although his lone season with the Los Angeles Chargers was cut short by a torn Achilles, the veteran running back had established himself as the team's lead rusher before the injury.
Harris has made encouraging progress in his recovery, with offseason workout videos showing him running comfortably just months after surgery. Before the injury, he had built a reputation as one of the NFL's most durable backs. He never missed a game during his four-year stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers while becoming the first player in franchise history to open his career with four straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons.
He may no longer project as a workhorse back, but Harris still has the size, power and experience to contribute in a committee. With several teams searching for backfield depth, here are three destinations that make the most sense for the former first-round pick in 2026.
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#3 – Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals could emerge as a sensible landing spot for Najee Harris, especially with his market expected to settle at a more affordable price.
He signed a one-year, $9.5 million deal with the Chargers last offseason, but the veteran is expected to be considerably cheaper coming off a season-ending Achilles injury. That could make him an attractive value signing for the Bengals.
The team already has Chase Brown as its lead back, with Samaje Perine providing experienced depth, so Harris would not be asked to carry the offense. Instead, he could take up a complementary role as a short-yardage rusher while allowing Brown to remain the primary early-down option.
#2 – Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars entered the offseason with a new-look backfield after Travis Etienne left in free agency. They also opted not to draft a replacement, choosing to move forward with Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez.
Adding Najee Harris would be a sensible move for Jacksonville. Both Tuten and Rodriguez have not established themselves as proven starters, and Harris could provide valuable insurance. He can also give the Jags a trusted veteran presence.
Although he has never been known for explosive runs, Harris has been very consistent in his career, averaging 4.1 yards per carry. Combined with his likely affordable price tag, he can be a low-risk option to strengthen the team's rushing attack.
#1 – Green Bay Packers
The Packers may be the most logical landing spot for Najee Harris heading into the 2026 season. While Josh Jacobs remains the starter, the team's depth behind him is filled with uncertainty.
MarShawn Lloyd is currently next in line, but the former third-round pick has struggled to stay healthy through his first two NFL seasons. That leaves the Packers without a proven veteran option should Jacobs miss time.
Harris would address that concern. Entering his sixth NFL season, he brings valuable experience and a track record of durability. He would not be expected to handle a big workload, but his presence would provide stability and a reliable insurance policy behind Jacobs.
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