Former Pittsburgh Steelers first-round pick Najee Harris is looking to make his NFL comeback in 2026 after missing most of the 2025 season with a torn Achilles tendon. Harris, who turned 28 earlier in March, played just 18 snaps for the Los Angeles Chargers last season before suffering the devastating injury.
Harris signed just a one-year, $5.25 million prove-it deal to play in Jim Harbaugh’s offense, where he expected to play a part in a one-two punch with first-round rookie Omarion Hampton. The injury prevented that from ever taking shape, and the Chargers looked in a new direction by signing ex-Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell to an even cheaper deal this offseason.
Harris has offered some updates during his rehab process in recent months as he begins working his way back. On Wednesday, the first news on where he could land in 2026 was finally revealed as NFL Insider Mike Garafolo reported that Harris visited with the reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks the same day. According to Ian Rapoport, Harris is also set to visit the Las Vegas Raiders next.
Pittsburgh Steelers fans watch Najee Harris take next step in comeback journey
Of course, Steelers fans didn’t have much time to consider if Harris might be in play to return to Pittsburgh this offseason. The team quickly moved to bring in Rico Dowdle to replace the departed Kenny Gainwell, the team’s MVP of the 2025 season. Still, as polarizing as Harris’ talents were for the black and gold, it’s no doubt comforting to Steelers Nation to see the former bell-cow back get his next shot in the NFL.
Free agent RB Najee Harris running full speed on a treadmill nearly six months since surgery to repair a torn Achilles. (Via Harris’ agent, @DHendrickson41)pic.twitter.com/6RzVtLKapS
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 23, 2026
As for his potential landing spots, Seattle certainly seems like a place where he could thrive. Kenneth Walker III, the Super Bowl LX MVP, left the Seahawks in free agency to join the Kansas City Chiefs. While Seattle had a strong group of backs last season, Walker’s departure leaves a significant void in their backfield.
As Steelers fans know, Harris did his best work with volume touches. The 240-pound back did better to wear on defenses throughout a contest rather than consistently sparking explosive plays. Last season, only the New York Giants and Buffalo Bills ran the ball more than the Seahawks, who split carries nearly evenly between Walker and Zach Charbonnet, which speaks to the opportunity that could be awaiting him in the Pacific Northwest.
In theory, Harris could feasibly step into Walker’s role and provide much of the same production so long as he stays healthy. Walker, despite his electric Super Bowl performance, had just 1,027 yards on 221 carries with five scores last season. Harris surpassed those totals in Pittsburgh in each of his four seasons with the Steelers.
While Seattle will have some change come to its offense with Klint Kubiak taking over in Las Vegas as the Raiders’ new head coach, the fact that both teams are interested in Harris speaks to the value he brings to Kubiak’s arrogant rushing attack. Seattle has a proven passing game to complement it well, which, should Harris become a part of, would grant him opportunities to succeed that always seemed hard to come by during his time in Pittsburgh.
Nonetheless, it seems Harris is set to head back to the West Coast once again in 2026. Should Harris land with Seattle or Las Vegas, the Steelers won’t have to worry about seeing their former tailback during the regular season.