The Kansas City Chiefs are entering the 2025 free agency period with two major question marks at the running back position.
Not only is Kareem Hunt a pending free agent, but Isiah Pacheco is entering the final year of his deal is reportedly not expected to be extended, which leaves his future with the team in doubt. And, with Pacheco’s injury history, Kansas City needs to bring in more support if Hunt isn’t brought back.
One of the best options on the free-agent market at running back will be Pittsburgh Steelers former first-round pick Najee Harris. Pro Football Network’s Sterling Xie predicts he will sign with the Chiefs in free agency.
“Najee Harris isn’t the most exciting running back, but he has a proven history of production and durability. Harris exceeded 1,000 rushing yards in all four seasons with the Steelers and demonstrated he could hold up to receiving back work as a rookie in 2021 with 74 catches,” Xie wrote.
While Harris was able to break the 1,000-yard mark in each of his four seasons with the Steelers, that was more a result of his monster workload than anything else, as Harris tallied a meager 3.9 yards per carry during his stint in Pittsburgh.
It’s true that Harris doesn’t have the best vision and isn’t explosive, which was most certainly behind his struggles, but he also didn’t have a great situation in Pittsburgh.
The Steelers’ offensive line was disappointing in each of his seasons with the team, and Pittsburgh’s passing attack did nothing to keep defenses honest, which allowed opponents to stack the box on Harris.
With the best quarterback on the planet that defenses must respect, the Chiefs would offer a very different situation for Harris, who could produce the best numbers of his career in Kansas City.
And, Harris offers a reliable option who can contribute in the passing game and is a lock to be ready to go every Sunday.
Ultimately, any interest the Chiefs have in Harris will come down to price. Spotrac projects the Steelers free agent will land a three-year, $27.4 million deal. At that price, or anything close to it, the Chiefs are unlikely to be players for him.
