The Los Angeles Chargers made headlines this offseason by signing standout running back Najee Harris. With Harris now in the backfield, the Chargers have set their sights on revitalizing their ground attack for the 2025 NFL season. But what can fans expect from the new-look running back duo and how might Harris reshape the offense?

Najee Harris Arrives in Los Angeles

After four productive seasons in Pittsburgh, Najee Harris brings both experience and raw power to the Chargers. Known for his bruising running style and ability to break tackles, Harris is poised to be a focal point in Los Angeles. Head Coach Jim Harbaugh has long favored a physical offense, and Harris fits the blueprint. At 6-foot-1 and 242 pounds, he is envisioned as the workhorse who can wear down defenses and deliver in clutch moments.

Teaming Up with Omarion Hampton: A Formidable Backfield

The 2025 draft saw the Chargers invest further at running back, selecting Omarion Hampton out of North Carolina in the first round. Harbaugh has declared that the plan is to create a true one-two punch with Harris and Hampton. According to Harbaugh, "He brings that same type of mentality Najee brings... We're looking for someone who complements but also offers the same." This dynamic duo is expected to give Los Angeles one of the most physical backfields in the league, with Hampton bringing explosiveness and Harris anchoring the power game (full story on the selection).

Statistically, Hampton racked up over 1,600 rushing yards in 2024, while Harris is coming off multiple 1,000-yard campaigns. With both backs able to catch passes and break through defensive lines, it's clear this backfield is designed for versatility as well as force.

How Najee Harris Fits the Chargers System

Coach Harbaugh is determined to run the football and control the clock. Najee Harris’s strengths align perfectly with this philosophy. Not only can he pound the ball between the tackles, but his pass-catching skills allow the Chargers to disguise their intent. This will keep opposing defenses guessing and open up play-action opportunities for quarterback Justin Herbert.

Harris is also a proven blocker in pass protection, an often-overlooked asset for a team seeking stability upfront. As the 2025 NFL Draft live updates note, teams like the Chargers are investing heavily in pieces that make their offenses more dynamic and harder to predict—adding Harris is a prime example.

2025 Outlook and Key Matchups

With the NFL Draft complete and training camp approaching, all eyes are on how the Chargers plan to deploy Najee Harris. Expect a heavy dose of power runs, but also creative looks that utilize both backs on the field. Harris’s arrival could also ease the pressure on Herbert, creating balance and opening up deep shots to the Chargers’ receiving corps.

According to Chargers GM Joe Hortiz, the addition of Harris and Hampton means, "The Chargers are going to line up and run the ball with a pair of meaty and powerful running backs in 2025. Just the way Harbaugh wants it." This approach should bring a toughness and resilience to the Chargers’ offense, especially in bruising AFC West matchups.

For a deeper dive into every pick that could impact the Chargers' strategy this season, check the complete 2025 NFL Draft order and analysis.

Conclusion: A New Era for the Chargers Run Game

Najee Harris’s arrival marks a turning point for the Los Angeles Chargers. Fans can expect a more physical, balanced attack that features both Harris and rookie Omarion Hampton. If the duo lives up to expectations, the Chargers could control games with their running game in ways they have not in years.

Keep an eye on training camp reports and preseason games for signs of how this partnership is developing. Whatever the outcome, Los Angeles has committed to powering up its offense—and it's clear that Najee Harris is at the center of that strategy.