Jim Harbaugh and the Los Angeles Chargers have fully committed to a run-heavy identity this offseason. They signed former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris to a one-year, $9.5 million deal in free agency and used their first-round pick in the NFL Draft to select North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton.
However, the Chargers have decided against locking in former first-round offensive lineman Zion Johnson for the long haul, opting not to pick up his fifth-year option worth $17.56 million for the 2026 season, per ESPN’s Kris Rhim. Johnson will now enter the 2025 season in the final year of his rookie deal and is expected to hit the open market as a free agent in March.
The Chargers picked Zion Johnson 17th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. He started at right guard as a rookie before moving to left guard in his second year. Over three seasons in Los Angeles, Johnson has started 49 of 51 games, missing only two in 2023 due to a neck injury.
After regressing in his second season with a 57.6 overall blocking grade from PFF, Zion Johnson bounced back in 2024 with noticeable progress. He ranked 61st out of 136 guards in pass protection and 55th out of 136 in run blocking, reflecting a more consistent all-around performance.
Chargers embracing Jim Harbaugh’s run-heavy style
Even with Justin Herbert under center, the Chargers appear committed to a ground-and-pound style under Jim Harbaugh. They’ve assembled the right backfield for it too. Omarion Hampton, who turned heads with his impressive run at North Carolina, surged up draft rankings and became a first-round selection alongside Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty when Los Angeles chose him with the 22nd pick.
The Chargers plan to pair the explosive rookie with Najee Harris, the dependable veteran who just wrapped up his fourth consecutive 1,000-yard season with the Steelers. Harris has also played all 17 games each of the past four years, highlighting his durability.
Harris and Hampton have the potential to form a powerful duo in the Chargers’ backfield, but the team might also add J.K. Dobbins into the equation for 2025. LA has placed an unrestricted free agent tender on Dobbins, which means they’ll either receive compensatory picks if he signs with another team or gain exclusive negotiating rights with him if he remains unsigned until training camp.
Considering his injury history, there’s a strong possibility Dobbins will rejoin LA for 2025, forming a dynamic and versatile backfield. Last season, Dobbins rushed for a career-high 905 yards and nine touchdowns in 13 games.
