Coming off a season-ending Achilles injury, running back Najee Harris hasn’t seen a very big free agency market this offseason. But it’s possible the veteran running back’s next NFL opportunity will come with the defending Super Bowl champions.
According to the NFL transaction report, the Seattle Seahawks hosted Harris for a visit Wednesday. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the visit as well.
The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Harris at No. 24 overall in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. During his rookie season, Harris rushed for 1,200 yards and led the NFL in touches (381).
But despite three 1,000-yard rushing seasons to begin his career, the Steelers didn’t exercise Harris’s fifth-year option. Then after another 1,000-yard campaign in 2024, the team didn’t re-sign Harris in free agency last spring.
During 2025, Harris played three games for the Los Angeles Chargers before suffering a season-ending injury.
Ex-Steelers RB Najee Harris Visits Seattle Seahawks
Harris and the Seahawks might be a perfect match for each other this season. While the running back needs a fresh start somewhere after a rough 2025, the Seahawks have to replace Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker in their backfield.
Harris likely won’t be able to do that on his own. But the Seahawks have several other depth running backs on their roster. Harris could join the group as one of the better complimentary weapons to be used on first and second downs.
Last offseason after departing the Steelers, Harris signed a 1-year, $5.25 million deal. Based on that low contract amount, it was rather clear the Steelers didn’t want Harris to return.
With the Chargers, it’s hard to imagine things could have gone worse for the veteran running back. Harris sustained a “superficial” eye injury during a July 4 fireworks accident last summer. That injury caused him to begin the preseason on the NFI list.
Harris didn’t make his Chargers debut until the regular season. The team activated him to the roster in late August.
Then during Week 3, Harris sustained a season-ending Achilles injury.
In Seattle, the team’s top running back without Walker is also coming off a serious injury. Zach Charbonnet injured his knee during the postseason.
The Seahawks have had positive updates on Charbonnet, but he could still miss the 2026 season opener.
The other running backs the Seahawks have on their roster are Emanuel Wilson, George Holani, Kenny McIntosh, Cam Akers, Velus Jones Jr. and Jacardia Wright.
Steelers RB Depth in 2026 NFL Offseason
The Steelers haven’t shown any interest in bringing back Harris this offseason. Instead, they have inked Rico Dowdle and Travis Homer to contracts in free agency.
Pundits expect Dowdle to be a significant complement to Jaylen Warren, who used to spell Harris a few years ago.
With those two additions, it’s unclear what type of role 2025 third-rounder Kaleb Johnson might have. Johnson wasn’t able to carve out much of a role during his rookie season.
The Steelers tried to use him on special teams, but it went from bad to worse in just the first two weeks.
At No. 83 overall last year, Johnson became the first running back the Steelers drafted since Harris. Johnson had 69 rushing yards and one catch for nine yards during 2025.
The Steelers also have running backs Lew Nichols and Max Hurleman on their offseason roster.
Steelers Ex-RB Najee Harris Potentially Step Closer to Next NFL Opportunity