After four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in Pittsburgh, Najee Harris joined the Los Angeles Chargers on a one-year deal, hoping for a highly productive 2025 campaign. Unfortunately, his fresh start was abruptly cut short in September when he suffered a season-ending Achilles tear against the Denver Broncos.
With the 27-year-old now preparing to re-enter free agency, his physical readiness has become the biggest question mark surrounding his market value. However, the NFL world now has an update.
RB Najee Harris’ Agent Touts Player’s Road to Recovery
Harris’ agent, Doug Hendrickson, posted an update on his client’s progress on social media. It showed the RB running on a treadmill at 15mph after 5 months of surgery. Hendrickson wrote on X:
“Najee Harris looking OUTSTANDING 5 months post op from Achilles. Running with ease at 15 mph. @chargers #freeagency #teamwass #LFG.”
Harris running at a moderate pace, less than six months after sustaining the injury, is an impressive feat in itself. While it does show progress, Harris’ future is unknown. Originally drafted with the No. 24 pick of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Harris received Pro Bowl recognition. He ran for 1,200 yards and seven total touchdowns.
That season was the first of four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons that he enjoyed in Pittsburgh. Despite this, the team declined to exercise his fifth-year option, allowing him to enter free agency after the 2024 season. He signed a one-year, $9.5 million contract with the Chargers. Before the injury, he rushed for 61 yards on 15 carries without a touchdown.
Najee Harris looking OUTSTANDING 5 months post op from Achilles. Running with ease at 15 mph. @chargers #freeagency #teamwass #LFG pic.twitter.com/LOiUqzt3qn
— Doug Hendrickson (@DHendrickson41) February 23, 2026
Before last season, Harris started and played in 68 of 68 regular-season games. Furthermore, his four healthy seasons saw him claim no worse than the No. 25 spot on the PFSN NFL RB Impact Rankings. Now, with his 28th birthday on March 9 and free agency shortly after, what types of teams could be in the market for a running back?
According to Spotrac, the former Alabama product is the No. 10 free agent running back in terms of potential AAV. The site lists it as $2,947,106. AAV is the average annual value of a contract over its duration. For example, a five-year, $10 million contract would have an AAV of $2 million.
The expected recovery time for a torn Achilles tendon can range from 9 months to 1 year. That places Harris ready to start training camp healthy. Before then, other running backs like Breece Hall, Rachaad White, and Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker will probably get signed before him.
Other names like Travis Etienne Jr. and Rico Dowdle may sign across the dotted line as well. Following that, the draft takes place, and teams will then scour for undrafted free agents. However, Harris possesses the vision and production track record that rookies lack.
Until he proves that he is fully healed and ready to go, a strict running-by-committee could suit him. Teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers ranked among the league’s worst rushing offenses.
Harris could provide a depth piece or a change of pace for two teams hoping to contend for the playoffs. Provided he can fully heal and return to his former form, Harris could end up playing this fall.
