As the NFL offseason progresses, one of the most intriguing storylines surrounding the Minnesota Vikings is what they will do at running back. With veteran **Dalvin Cook** officially departing, the Vikings are looking to rebuild their backfield, and a potential free-agent target that has caught the eye of many is **Najee Harris**, the former first-round pick and current running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers. As we look toward the 2025 NFL season, could Harris be a realistic option for Minnesota? Let’s dive into the potential pros and cons of signing Harris, and whether he could be the right fit for the Vikings in 2025.
### Why Najee Harris Could Be an Attractive Option
#### 1. **Harris’ Proven Talent and Versatility**
When Najee Harris entered the NFL in 2021 as the 24th overall pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers, there were high expectations for him to become the focal point of the offense. And despite some struggles with the offensive line, Harris has shown that he can handle the workload and be an every-down back.
Through his first three seasons, Harris has put up impressive numbers:
– **2021:** 1,200 rushing yards, 7 touchdowns
– **2022:** 1,034 rushing yards, 7 touchdowns
– **2023:** 1,160 rushing yards, 9 touchdowns (as of Week 17)
While these stats are solid, it’s his versatility that could make him a real asset for the Vikings. Harris has proven he can catch passes out of the backfield, totaling **74 receptions for 467 yards** in 2022 alone. This ability to contribute as both a rusher and a receiver makes him a well-rounded weapon that could give the Vikings’ offense an added dimension in 2025.
The Vikings have long relied on a balanced offensive attack, and Harris could fit seamlessly into an offense that features a strong passing game, especially with quarterback **Kirk Cousins** (if he’s still in Minnesota) or a potential young signal caller. Having a back like Harris who can catch passes, block in pass protection, and pound the ball between the tackles would be a valuable asset to complement their aerial attack.
#### 2. **Harris Can Relieve the Pressure on the Quarterback**
The Vikings are expected to be in a transition period when they enter the 2025 season. Cousins will be on the back end of his career, and the team may be preparing to turn the reins over to a younger quarterback. A running back like Harris could ease that transition. If Minnesota were to draft a quarterback in 2025, they could pair that player with a steady, reliable running back who can take some of the load off their shoulders. Harris has already shown that he can handle the bulk of carries, which would help ease the pressure on a rookie or second-year quarterback.
Additionally, Harris could help the Vikings control the clock and maintain possession, allowing a young quarterback more opportunities to settle into games. He would be especially valuable in short-yardage situations, which Minnesota has struggled with in recent years. With a power back like Harris, they would have a real option to keep defenses on their toes and balance out their offense.
#### 3. **Vikings Need a Lead Back**
While the Vikings have some talent at running back, including **Alexander Mattison**, who filled in admirably when Cook was injured or unavailable, they lack a true feature back. Mattison is a solid rotational player but has yet to prove he can be the consistent, every-down player that an offense needs to win games in the long run. Harris, on the other hand, has already proven he can handle a heavy workload over a full season.
If the Vikings are serious about making a deep playoff run in 2025, they may want to add a dynamic back like Harris to their roster. His ability to be a workhorse in the run game and a weapon in the passing game would provide Minnesota with the stability they need in the backfield.
### The Case Against Najee Harris in 2025
#### 1. **Cost and Contract Concerns**
One of the biggest hurdles to bringing Harris to Minnesota could be his price tag. While Harris is a talented player, the Vikings are already dealing with salary cap issues, and adding a high-priced running back may not be the wisest move. The Vikings will need to manage their cap space carefully in 2025, especially if they are looking to build around a young quarterback or strengthen other areas of the roster.
Harris is set to become a free agent after the 2024 season, and he’s likely to command a significant deal given his potential and overall performance. According to recent projections, he could be looking at a contract in the range of $10 million to $12 million annually, potentially more. This would make him one of the higher-paid running backs in the NFL, which could be problematic for Minnesota, especially if they are trying to allocate money to other positions.
The Vikings have already faced criticism for investing heavily in the running back position in the past, especially with Cook’s lucrative contract. After his departure, Minnesota might be wary of committing a similar amount of resources to another back. This could lead them to pursue more affordable options, especially with the rising trend of teams focusing on committee backfields rather than paying top dollar for a feature back.
#### 2. **Injury Concerns**
While Harris has been durable for the most part, the wear and tear of being a featured back in a run-heavy offense could eventually catch up to him. Over the course of his first three seasons, he’s logged significant carries, including **307 carries in 2022**, a hefty workload for a running back.
As we’ve seen with many running backs, the position is highly prone to injuries, and Harris is not immune to that reality. The Vikings may be hesitant to invest heavily in a back who has already accumulated so many touches early in his career, especially if they are concerned about his long-term durability.
Additionally, the rise of running back committees around the league means that teams are increasingly shying away from giving one player the majority of the touches. The Vikings might feel more comfortable with a stable of backs instead of committing to one player as their primary rusher.
#### 3. **Minnesota’s Offensive Scheme May Not Be the Best Fit**
Another factor to consider is whether Harris’s skill set aligns with what the Vikings want to do offensively in 2025. Minnesota has historically leaned on outside-zone runs and play-action, and Harris, while versatile, is more of a between-the-tackles, power runner. If the Vikings’ offensive philosophy doesn’t align with his strengths, they might look for a back who fits better with their system.
The Vikings may prefer a back who can excel in a more dynamic, outside-zone running scheme, someone who can get to the edge and make defenders miss in space. A back like **Javonte Williams** or **Breece Hall**, both known for their agility and ability to break off big runs, could fit the Vikings’ needs better than a more traditional power back like Harris.
### Conclusion
So, is Najee Harris a real option for the Vikings in 2025? The answer is complicated. On one hand, Harris would bring a proven, every-down back to Minnesota’s offense, adding versatility as both a runner and a receiver. He could help relieve pressure on a young quarterback and provide the Vikings with a true lead back, something they’ve been lacking since Dalvin Cook’s departure. On the other hand, his likely high cost, injury history, and possible mismatch with the Vikings’ offensive scheme could make the move less appealing.
Ultimately, whether Harris is a good fit for the Vikings will depend on several factors, including cap space, the team’s needs at running back, and the direction of their offense in 2025. If Minnesota is willing to make the financial commitment, Harris could be a solid addition. However, if they’re looking to build a more balanced backfield or save cap space for other areas, they might look elsewhere. Only time will tell if Najee Harris becomes a viable option for the Vikings as they look to build their team for the future.