Najee Harris takes a jibe at former Steelers teammate Justin Fields after signing with the Chargers: “Didn’t know anything”

Najee Harris wasn't happy with how Mike Tomlin was running the offense by bringing in an inexperienced Justin Fields from whom he couldn't learn anything.

Najee Harris takes a jibe at former Steelers teammate Justin Fields after signing with the Chargers: “Didn’t know anything”

Justin Fields and Najee Harris (Image via IMAGO)

An offer was on the table for Najee Harris to stay with the Pittsburgh Steelers after his rookie contract ran out, but he opted against it. The 27-year-old running back claimed he realized midway through the 2024 season that the Steelers’ offense lacked direction due to the constant changes of quarterbacks.

The Steelers finished the season with a 10-7 record. It looks great on paper considering they reached the playoffs, but according to Harris, the system in Pittsburgh never clicked.

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We just didn’t know anything on offense really. We didn’t have any identity. We had a young guy coming in at QB. I really didn’t have nobody to almost learn from on the offensive side.

Najee Harris said in an interview on KCAL News via Matthew Lucio

The 2x Pro Bowler had to depend on his teammates in defense, who were part of the roster for a while, for directions.

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I am just trying to look for people to you know pick their brain… It was just the defensive guys, I go to the defensive guys to talk to but it wouldn’t be too much of they can tell me about the offensive thing you know.

Najee Harris added

Although Harris refrained from uttering any names, he clearly aimed his words at the recently departed quarterback Justin Fields, and in a broader sense he also indirectly blamed the coaching staff of Mike Tomlin and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.

Tomlin went for a complete overhaul in the QB department after the 2023 season, bringing in two players with different skill sets. First, they signed veteran Russell Wilson, renowned for his pocket presence and precision in throwing deep passes. After Wilson, they signed Fields, a much more mobile quarterback than the Super Bowl winner.

Fields played six games, but Tomlin and Smith decided Wilson suited their system better. The 36-year-old played the remainder of the games, including the wildcard playoff match against divisional rivals the Baltimore Ravens. However, Wilson went on a five-game losing streak, ending the Steelers campaign prematurely.

Najee Harris revealed the reason that motivated him to sign with the Chargers

On March 12, the Los Angeles Chargers agreed to a one-year, $9.5 million contract with the Chargers after he left the Steelers. Harris wanted to play for Jim Harbaugh.

Playing for [Jim] Harbaugh [was my reason]. When we even played against them, I’ve seen the type of team they’re on the rise to be, and I want to be a part of that.

Najee Harris revealed
Najee Harris takes a jibe at former Steelers teammate Justin Fields after signing with the Chargers "Didn't know anything"
Najee Harris strong hands a Bengals defender (Image via IMAGO)

It wasn’t the first time Harris and Harbaugh were mentioned in the same breath. Najee was among the top running back prospects coming out of high school, and Harbaugh recruited him when he was the head coach of Michigan.

He ended up joining Alabama because they were the team to beat in 2016 and won multiple CFP trophies during his time with the Tide.

Harbaugh finally managed to snap his man, and he will likely share snaps with JK Dobbins.

Why did the Steelers let him go?

Harris was amazing at Alabama, tallying 1400+ yards and a league-best 26 touchdowns in 2020 before the Steelers drafted him as their 24th overall pick. However, he never replicated the same form in Pittsburgh.

After starting his rookie season with 1200 yards and 10 overall touchdowns, his output went down every year. Harris averaged just 3.9 yards per carry despite crossing 1000 rushing yards in four seasons for the Steelers.

Moreover, Tomlin already had a replacement ready, waiting for a chance. Undrafted free agent RB from Oklahoma State, Jaylen Warren took over as the main man in the offense toward the end of the 2024 season. He averaged 4.3 yards per carry, but he has the capability of bettering that because he has achieved it before with 5.3 yards per carry in 2023 on 149 rushes for 784 yards and 4 touchdowns.

At Chargers, Harris will receive from a more seasoned campaigner in Justin Herbert. He must pay Harbaugh back for showing faith in him.