The Las Vegas Raiders have several significant needs this offseason, including the three most crucial positions on any football team: quarterback, head coach, and general manager. However, the team must prioritise other priorities.
The Raiders had the NFL’s worst running offence in 2024, and it wasn’t close. Much of this was due to poor playcalling and offensive line performance, but the squad also failed to adequately replace running back Josh Jacobs.
Zamir White performed terribly, and it’s unlikely he’ll return next season. Additionally, Alexander Mattison and Ameer Abdullah are free agents. The Raiders could address the position in the draft, but they may also seek a proven veteran. Star defensive end Maxx Crosby thinks Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris would be a great fit.
“Why not?” “He’s from the Bay,” Crosby said of Harris on the Jan. 14 episode of ‘The Rush. “Najee is a baller. Anybody who can help you win while still being a culture man and a leader is someone you want around. You’ve seen Najee; he’s been in the league four years and has averaged 1,000 yards per season. That alone is astounding. He is a tough mf’er to deal with. I’d love to have someone like Najee around. Selfishly, he could spend all day in Vegas.”
Is Najee Harris the right fit for the Raiders?
The Steelers may be ready to move on from Harris. Last summer, the organisation elected to decline the former first-round pick’s fifth-year option, and the franchise isn’t known for paying running backs high salaries.
While Harris should attract some attention on the free agent market, there is a reason Pittsburgh may want to move on. Harris has rushed over 1,000 yards in each of his four seasons but he also only has a career average of 3.9 yards per carry.
His workload is more a result of the Steelers’ continuous struggles in the passing game and having to force the run than Harris’ high efficiency. However, Pittsburgh hasn’t had a particularly excellent offensive line, so there may still be some untapped potential with the running back.
How Much Will Harris Cost?
The Raiders’ next head coach and general manager will decide whether or not to pursue Harris. If the team hires someone like Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Harris might make sense. During Johnson’s tenure, the Lions did not hesitate to invest extensively in running backs, and it has paid off handsomely.
However, Harris shouldn’t be looking at a big contract. He might only be able to get something similar to the one-year, $7 million contract Aaron Jones got from the Minnesota Vikings last offseason. Harris might be able to get something closer to two years, $15 million. That’s not a steep price to pay for a productive running back. It also wouldn’t be a very long-term commitment. Crosby has played against Harris four times throughout his career so if he believes the running back is worth signing, that has to count for something.
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