Former Steelers’ 1,200-Yard RB Completes Visits to Las Vegas Raiders and Seattle Seahawks in Quest to Reclaim Career Heights – Claims Jaylen Warren Was the Reason He Left Pittsburgh and Couldn’t Return

Najee Harris, the former running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers, is on a journey to reclaim his career after a disappointing 2025 season with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Harris, who rushed for over 1,000 yards every season from 2021 to 2024, completed visits to the Las Vegas Raiders and Seattle Seahawks this week in search of his next NFL opportunity.

Over his four seasons with the Steelers, Harris was a reliable and consistent performer. He reached a career-high 1,200 rushing yards in 2021 and was a key piece of the offense.

However, things started to change when Jaylen Warren began eating into his playing time. Harris no longer had the starting role in Pittsburgh, prompting him to seek a fresh start elsewhere.

In a recent interview, Harris opened up about his decision to leave Pittsburgh: "I used to give everything for Pittsburgh. I always wanted to be the guy leading the backfield for the Steelers. But things changed when Jaylen Warren started cutting into my reps, and I realized I couldn’t compete for the starting role anymore."

For Harris, losing the starting role was the catalyst for his departure. "I want to be on the field, get the ball, and prove I’m still that guy. So, I knew I had to leave for a fresh start."

He expressed gratitude for the Raiders and Seahawks for giving him the opportunity to showcase his skills again. "I’m thankful for the Raiders and Seahawks for giving me that opportunity to show what I can do again."

Harris is hoping for a fresh start with a new team where he can prove himself again. Both the Raiders and Seahawks offer different opportunities, with Harris potentially playing a backup role to second-year running back Ashton Jeanty in Las Vegas.

The Raiders could provide a change of pace with Harris behind Jeanty, who is set to be the starting running back. On the other hand, Harris might have more chances to contribute in Seattle, which has a playoff-contending roster.

Seattle already has seven running backs on their roster, but Harris could offer experience and depth to the team. Furthermore, the Seahawks might draft another running back in the 2026 NFL Draft, so Harris could find more opportunities to showcase his talents.

While Harris has spent his career sharing the backfield, first with Benny Snell and then with Jaylen Warren in 2023, he now seeks a more prominent role.

Harris was selected by the Steelers with the 24th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and was the first draft pick of the Omar Khan era. Despite his consistent performance, the Steelers chose not to pick up his fifth-year option, making him a free agent after the 2024 season.

After spending part of the 2025 season with the Chargers, where he struggled with a superficial eye injury and eventually suffered a season-ending Achilles injury, Harris is eager to return to form.

In just three games with the Chargers, Harris rushed for 61 yards on 15 carries, averaging 4.1 yards per carry. He also caught three passes for 25 yards. While his 2025 season was limited, he’s determined to prove he can still be a reliable asset in the NFL.

During his four seasons with the Steelers, Harris rushed for 4,312 yards and 28 touchdowns. He also caught 180 passes for 1,149 yards and six receiving touchdowns.

Harris, who led the NFL with 381 touches as a rookie in 2021, aims to bounce back in 2026 and prove he can still be a feature back. He’s determined to showcase his abilities and return to the level of success he experienced earlier in his career.

This week’s visits to the Raiders and Seahawks mark the next step in Harris’s journey to reclaim his place among the NFL’s top running backs. As he looks for a fresh start, Harris is focused on proving he still has what it takes to lead an NFL backfield once again.

Harris’s journey in the NFL is far from over. With a new team and a new opportunity, he is determined to make his mark in the 2026 season and beyond.