The Cincinnati Bengals have been floated as a possible landing spot for a familiar AFC North name, with Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton linking them to free-agent running back Najee Harris.
Harris is trying to bounce back after an injury-marred run with the Los Angeles Chargers, and Moton pointed to how much his stock has shifted. “Once seen as one of the league’s most durable, physical running backs, Najee Harris didn’t miss a game in his first four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers," Moton wrote. "Last offseason, he suffered an eye injury in a fireworks incident and then tore his Achilles tendon in Week 3 of the 2025 campaign.”
That kind of health history is obviously part of the conversation, but so is the price tag. Harris signed a one-year, $9.5 million deal in 2025, and Moton believes his next contract should come in well below that number.
“In 2025, Harris signed a one-year, $9.5 million contract, but he will likely sign for far less this year," Moton wrote. "The bruising ball-carrier only recorded 15 carries for 61 yards before his season-ending injury.”
For Cincinnati, the appeal is less about changing the offense and more about adding a specific tool. The Bengals already have their backfield in place, but a cheaper Harris could give them a bigger runner for short-yardage work while Chase Brown handles early downs.
“He’s not an explosive rusher, but his 6’1”, 242-pound frame can be featured in short-yardage and goal-line situations," said Moton.
That’s the part that makes the fit worth thinking about. In a division where games can tighten up late and every yard starts to feel expensive, a back with Harris’ size and style would give Cincinnati another option when the field shrinks.
The obvious concern is the injury risk, especially after the Achilles tear. Still, Harris’ production and durability before the 2025 season make him a player to watch if the money makes sense and the Bengals decide to get involved.
Moton also mentioned the Green Bay Packers as another possible destination, with that team being connected to running backs after veteran Josh Jacobs was arrested just a few weeks ago. For Cincinnati, though, Harris would be a straightforward addition: a veteran with a defined job, a lower cost, and a chance to help in the situations that matter most.
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