(Featured photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

What was long speculated has finally come true: Najee Harris will not be a Pittsburgh Steeler in 2025.

The organization’s first round pick from 2021 had the fifth year option in his rookie year declined by the Steelers last year, setting up a potential final season in Pittsburgh for the Alabama product.

As the season came to a close, it became clearer that the Steelers had no serious plans to retain him, and on Monday night Harris signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers that could earn him up to $9.25 million. Harris will join fellow ex-Steeler Donte Jackson in Southern California this year, with the cornerback signing a two-year deal worth $13 million.

One of those losses hurts more than the other, and it’s Harris.

He was their RB1 from the day he was drafted and was one of the most durable running backs in the league. In his four years in Pittsburgh, Harris started every possible game, suiting up in black and yellow 68 times.

While finding ways to remain healthy doesn’t always translate to results on the field, Harris’ consistent availability is an undervalued trait for a particularly bruising position on the field.