The Los Angeles Chargers understand the importance of a running game to an offense and have made it a mission to improve their rushing attack this offseason, putting less pressure on Justin Herbert. In Herbert’s first five seasons, the running game has consistently ranked in the bottom half in rushing yards, with 2024 being the best year, finishing 17th in rushing offense. As a result, the offense has relied heavily on the arm of its star quarterback to win games.
The Chargers signed former Pittsburgh Steelers Pro Bowler and first-round pick Najee Harris to a one-year deal worth up to $9.25 million. Harris had a solid start to his NFL career with Pittsburgh, rushing for over 1,000 in each of his first four seasons, including a Pro Bowl selection in 2021. He had a solid 2024 campaign, rushing for 1,043 yards and six touchdowns on the ground during the regular season.
The Los Angeles Chargers drafted an RB in Round 1
The Chargers drafted former North Carolina Tar Heels Omarion Hampton 22nd overall in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Hampton had a great college career with North Carolina, rushing for 3,565 yards and 36 touchdowns on the ground, including being named First-Team All-ACC in 2023 and 2024 as well as Second-Team All-American in 2023 and 2024. He had a great junior year, posting career highs in rushing yards and tying 2023 for the most rushing touchdowns, with 1,660 yards and 15 touchdowns.
He believes in the rushing attack for 2025
During an appearance on the Jim Rome Show on Tuesday, Omarion Hampton pointed to Jim Harbaugh’s commitment to running the football and has confidence that between him and Najee Harris, their rushing attack will be special in 2025. Hampton points to their different and unique play styles and believes they will form a dominant duo in the backfield.
“We know they’re going to run the ball, so I’m loving it,” Hampton said this week, via The Jim Rome Show.“I’m excited, we got me and Najee, a dominant duo backfield. I’m excited to learn from him, I’m excited to get out there. We got a good offensive line, a good quarterback. I feel like we’re building something special here.
“We know (Harbaugh)’s going to run the ball, he’s decided to run the ball and it’s something he wants to do. He did it all his career, so I’m just excited to get started. With him being my head coach, I couldn’t be more happy.”
