Mike Tomlin doesn’t waste words. Whether he’s addressing his players, the media, or even his own front office, the Steelers‘ head coach has always been direct — no fluff, no filler. So when he spoke highly of Najee Harris at the season-ending press conference, fans assumed an extension was coming. After all, four straight 1,000-yard seasons should mean something, right?
But if there’s one thing Steelers Nation should know by now, it’s that Tomlin’s praise doesn’t always translate to long-term plans. Days later, with no deal agreed, Harris is packing his bags for Los Angeles instead, leaving a sizable void in Pittsburgh’s backfield. With Justin Fields off to the NY Jets on a 2-year $40 million deal as well, it’s clear the owners are having their way despite the HC’s wishes.
Now, with the Chargers securing Harris on a one-year deal, Tomlin has turned his sights to a familiar face — one who once torched his team on a bitter January night. Nick Chubb. The bruising Browns running back who shredded Tomlin’s defense for 145 yards and a touchdown in the 2021 Wild Card game. Chubb isn’t exactly the same player, with injuries taking their toll. But Tomlin knows what a healthy version can do—and he may soon have no choice but to believe Chubb’s still got enough left in the tank to fill Harris’ shoes in the Steel City.
#Steelers have an interest in adding Nick Chubb. pic.twitter.com/80NzsgEpNL
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) March 11, 2025
The 2nd round (35th overall) pick of the 2018 NFL Draft, had an epic 2019 season with 1,494 rushing yards (only behind Derrick Henry’s 1,540 yards). In 7 seasons, he earned 4 Pro Bowl nominations. So, the talent is definitely there. But things haven’t remained the same since then. In 2023, he suffered a knee injury against the Steelers in the week 2 matchup. With injuries to MCL and ACL, it ended his season. He returned in 2024 but a broken foot against the Chiefs in week 15 ended that season prematurely well. Overall, he has only played 10 games in 2 years.
The 29-year-old player is standing at a precipice in his career. Will Mike Tomlin make (or be forced to take) the deal to get him into the Black and the Gold camp? If he doesn’t, then the Raiders or Broncos could also try to get him into their system. But the Steelers are serious about making an offer as they are already short on one veteran running back.
Mike Tomlin’s Steelers let Najee Harris walk to the Chargers
During the season ender press conference, the Steelers HC praised the RB and said, “Naj has had an awesome four years here. I understand that he is a free agent. But rest assured, we’ve had a good experience with him and obviously the ridiculous consistency in his performance in terms of producing four straight 1,000-yard seasons speaks for itself.” But Mike Tomlin added a word of caution as well, “I haven’t given that much thought at all.”
Image Credits: Social Media, taken from Instagram @Najee Harris
So, when the Chargers approached the front office with a good deal in hand, they couldn’t decline. On March 10, the league announced that the RB was on his way to the Chargers on a 1-year $9.25 million deal. That’s a pretty decent deal. The RB had 1000+ rushing yards 4 seasons since getting drafted in the 1st round (24th overall) in 2021.
However, there have been some issues that clearly stand out. He has made it to 3 playoff games (in 3 different seasons), but failed to score even a single touchdown in those games. Now, the HC Jim Harbaugh will try to fit the 27-year-old player into his system.
In other Steelers news, rumors are flying fast and thick that the one and only Aaron Rodgers could be the QB1 next season. Penny for your thoughts, Steelers fans?
The post Steelers Rumors: Mike Tomlin Wants Browns Star to Replace Chargers Bound Najee Harris appeared first on EssentiallySports.