Should the Broncos sign RB Najee Harris?

Would Najee Harris improve the Broncos backfield?

The Broncos run game was not very good last season. We saw them cycle through three different backs and never really found the answer Head Coach Sean Payton was looking for. Javonte Williams still did not look the same after his brutal leg injury and struggled as a runner throughout the year. Jaleel McLaughlin was probably their most productive back but the reality is that his size limits his role on offense. Meanwhile, rookie Audric Estime had some moments but struggled when given a chance later in the year and was a healthy scratch in their wildcard game vs. the Bills.

Now, as the Broncos enter into the offseason, improving their running game will be a top priority. They found their answer at quarterback with Bo Nix but now, they need to find him a running game. One player who could be part of that answer is Steelers running back, Najee Harris. The former first-round pick is expected to hit free agency and has topped 1,000 yards in each of his first four seasons in the league.

In four seasons in the NFL, Harris has carried the ball 1,097 times for 4,312 yards and has 28 career rushing touchdowns. This past season for the Steelers he rushed the ball 263 times for 1,043 yards and 6 rushing touchdowns. He has consistently given the Steelers at least 1,000 yards rushing and on average, 7 rushing touchdowns per season. While not amazing, that is a solid contributor to your offense.

With Najee Harris hitting the free agent market, should the Broncos consider signing him to improve their backfield?

Player Profile

Name: Najee Harris

Position: RB

Height: 6-1

Weight: 242 pounds

Age: 27 years old

Experience: 5th NFL season

Why the Broncos should sign RB Najee Harris

The Broncos have lacked consistency in their backfield for years now and Najee Harris should be able to bring them that. He is not a Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, or Derrick Henry as we saw hit the free agent market last season, but he would upgrade the Broncos rushing attack.

Javonte Williams is a free agent and is unlikely to re-sign with the team. Jaleel McLaughlin does not have the size to be consistently run between the tackles and rookie Audric Estime was a healthy scratch in the Broncos wildcard game. They need someone reliable and consistent in that backfield and I believe Najee Harris can be that guy. I also believe Harris is someone who could benefit from a change of scenery. The Steelers have had their struggles at quarterback, play-caller, and on offense in general. With the Broncos, he will have the best quarterback he has ever played with and the best play-caller and offensive mind he has ever had. So, his numbers could certainly improve with the Broncos if they do indeed sign him.

The current trend in the NFL is successful teams having good or great running games. The Broncos had a poor one last year and Harris could be part of the answer to get them back into the good/great range once again. I say part of the answer because I believe they still would and should spend an early draft pick on a running back. We saw the Lions do this when they signed David Montgomery and then drafted Jahmyr Gibbs in the first round. In a perfect world, I see the Broncos adding someone like Harris and pairing him with an Ashton Jeanty or one of the other top-backs in the draft.

Giving Bo Nix a consistent and reliable run game is the biggest thing the Broncos could do for him this offseason and I believe signing Najee Harris could be part of that.

Why they will not sign RB Najee Harris

Najee Harris has a career yards per carry of 3.9 yards during his four years in Pittsburgh. Meanwhile, Javonte Williams, who the Broncos are not re-signing and someone we saw struggle the past two seasons has a career YPC of 4.0. Yes, Williams has 400 fewer carries than Harris, but the average output is about the same.

Would he REALLY be an upgrade?

I mentioned the 1,000-yard benchmark which he has reached all four seasons in the NFL, but is that really an accomplishment now with teams playing 17 games? He hit 1,200 yards his rookie season but since then, he has totaled 1,034, 1,035, and 1,043 yards rushing in a season. While an upgrade over what the Broncos have had, it’s still not great.

Add in that he will be 27 years old, has nearly 1,100 career rushing attempts, and is listed at 242 pounds, his best days could be behind him at this point.

Also, why should the Broncos pay for a 27-year-old middle-of-the-road running back when the draft is loaded with talented backs who could come and be an upgrade over Harris? Ashton Jeanty could be in play in the first round and a number of talented backs could be available for the Broncos’ second and third-round picks. Use that free agent money elsewhere on a linebacker, defensive lineman, safety, or whatever else they want to add.

Final Thoughts

There are a few things to consider here. The first is the market for Najee Harris and how much will he be asking and two, what are the Broncos’ plans for Audric Estime moving forward?

If Harris is looking at a multi-year near-the-top-of-the-market deal, then it is an easy pass for me. However, if his market isn’t that strong and you can sign him reasonably for one or two years? I would certainly consider that. As for Estime, I assumed he would be part of their plans moving forward, but being a healthy scratch for the wildcard game makes his future with the team pretty murky. Is he someone they’re planning to be part of their backfield rotation or is he someone they’re looking to upgrade on and he is fighting for a roster spot?

I am on the fence when it comes to Harris but if he can be signed reasonably, I would not hate the signing. I still would like the Broncos to add a back with one of their top picks in the draft, but regardless, they need to improve their running game. I think Harris could be part of the solution but what do you think Broncos Country? Would you like to see the team sign running back Najee Harris during free agency?