San Francisco 49ers Urged to Sign Ex-Steelers RB Najee Harris in Free Agency
February 2025.
As the San Francisco 49ers prepare for the 2025 NFL season, their running back room is set to undergo some significant changes. With key depth pieces Jordan Mason and Elijah Mitchell heading into free agency, the team may look to bring in reinforcements to support All-Pro back Christian McCaffrey. While the 49ers could turn to the NFL Draft to address the position, recent speculation suggests they should strongly consider signing former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris in free agency.
The Case for Najee Harris to the 49ers
NFL analyst and KNBR host Larry Kruger recently floated the idea of Harris joining the 49ers as a complementary piece to McCaffrey. While speaking on his podcast, Kruger made a compelling argument for the Bay Area native to return home and add a physical element to San Francisco’s backfield.
“I don’t know what the running back market is gonna look like, and I don’t know the 49ers’ thinking, but I do know Najee Harris, and I know that he’s a Bay Area kid,” Kruger said. “I know he would love to play for the 49ers, and I know his agent pretty well, Doug Hendrickson. I love Najee as a power back. The 49ers might need a power element to punch it in inside the five.”
Kruger acknowledged that Harris might command more money than the 49ers are willing to pay for a second-string running back, but he also pointed out that the current free-agent market for running backs could work in San Francisco’s favor.
“I gotta think he’s gonna get more money than they can afford in free agency, but maybe not,” Kruger continued. “I mean, he doesn’t have great numbers, and I don’t know, I’m not sure how the league views Najee and what kind of market he’s gonna have; what kind of market there’s going to be for running backs in a year where the draft is so deep at running backs. But I’ll tell ya, if they’re going to splurge for any offensive back, I love Najee Harris. I think Najee Harris could help the 49ers run the ball inside the five. I think he can be a power complement to McCaffrey, and that could be really, really good.”
How Najee Harris Would Fit in Kyle Shanahan’s Offense
Harris, a former first-round pick out of Alabama, has built a reputation as a powerful, between-the-tackles runner with an ability to churn out tough yards. While he has had flashes of brilliance with the Steelers, his production has been inconsistent, in part due to a struggling offensive line and an evolving offensive scheme in Pittsburgh.
Under head coach Kyle Shanahan, the 49ers’ offense relies heavily on a dynamic running game with a mix of inside and outside zone runs. McCaffrey has excelled in this system, but having a bigger back like Harris could add a new dimension, particularly in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
At 6-foot-1 and 232 pounds, Harris is a bruising back who can wear down defenses late in games. While McCaffrey is one of the most versatile and explosive backs in the league, Harris could take on a role similar to what Elijah Mitchell and Jordan Mason provided in previous seasons—giving the team a reliable power option to complement McCaffrey’s skill set.
The idea of pairing McCaffrey with a strong, physical runner is nothing new for the 49ers. In the past, they’ve utilized multiple backs effectively, mixing in different styles to keep defenses guessing. If Harris were to join San Francisco, he could serve as the thunder to McCaffrey’s lightning, providing a more balanced approach to their rushing attack.
The Market for Running Backs in 2025 Free Agency
One of the biggest factors in whether the 49ers pursue Harris will be the overall market for running backs in free agency. Historically, teams have been hesitant to spend big on the position, as running backs tend to have shorter career peaks compared to other positions.
This offseason, the free-agent market is expected to be flooded with running backs, making it difficult for many players to secure lucrative multi-year deals. Teams looking for help at the position may instead turn to the NFL Draft, which is reportedly stacked with talented young backs.
If Harris struggles to find a strong market, he may be open to signing a short-term, team-friendly deal with a contender like San Francisco. In this scenario, he could spend a season proving his value in a system designed to maximize the effectiveness of running backs. A successful stint with the 49ers could then set him up for a bigger payday in the future.
Challenges in Signing Harris
While the idea of signing Harris makes sense on paper, there are some potential challenges the 49ers would have to consider before making a move.
1. Salary Cap Considerations
The 49ers have several key players they need to prioritize in terms of contract extensions, including wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and defensive lineman Arik Armstead. Depending on how much cap space they have available, they may not be in a position to invest heavily in a running back who isn’t a clear-cut starter.
2. Competition from Other Teams
Even if Harris isn’t in line for a massive payday, there will likely be other teams interested in signing him. Organizations in need of a true RB1 may be willing to offer him a more prominent role and better financial incentives than what the 49ers could provide.
3. Development of Younger Backs
San Francisco already invested a fourth-round pick in Isaac Guerendo during the 2024 NFL Draft, and they may look to give him more opportunities moving forward. If the coaching staff is confident in Guerendo’s ability to complement McCaffrey, they may decide to roll with the players they already have rather than bringing in a veteran.
Najee Harris’ Potential Interest in the 49ers
From Harris’ perspective, signing with the 49ers could be an appealing option. Not only would he have the chance to play for a Super Bowl contender, but he’d also get to return to the Bay Area, where he grew up.
During his time in Pittsburgh, Harris frequently spoke about his love for the game and his desire to be a part of a winning culture. After several seasons with the Steelers in which he carried a heavy workload, a move to San Francisco could allow him to take on a more manageable role while still contributing in meaningful ways.
Additionally, playing in Shanahan’s system could showcase Harris’ skill set in a way that benefits his long-term career. Running backs in Shanahan’s offense often see an increase in efficiency due to the well-designed blocking schemes and creative play-calling. If Harris can put up strong numbers in a limited role, he may be able to position himself for a better contract in 2026.
Final Verdict: Should the 49ers Pursue Najee Harris?
While the 49ers have multiple options when it comes to addressing the running back position, signing Harris would certainly be an intriguing move. He would provide a much-needed power element to their backfield, helping in short-yardage and goal-line situations while also easing some of the workload off McCaffrey.
The biggest question is whether the financials will make sense for both parties. If Harris is seeking a high-paying, multi-year deal, the 49ers may not be willing to meet his demands. However, if he’s open to a one-year, prove-it deal in a strong offensive system, the fit could be mutually beneficial.
Ultimately, the decision will come down to how San Francisco evaluates its current roster, its confidence in younger backs like Guerendo, and how the free-agent market shakes out. But if the 49ers do decide to make a move, adding Najee Harris could be the missing piece that helps solidify their rushing attack for the 2025 season.
What’s Next?
As free agency approaches, all eyes will be on the 49ers’ front office to see how they address their running back situation. If they do choose to pursue Harris, it could signal their commitment to building an offense capable of grinding out tough yards and dominating in the postseason.
For now, the speculation continues—but the possibility of Harris donning the red and gold remains an exciting one for 49ers fans.
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