As seen with the Chargers last season, free agency additions could turn out to have a massive impact on the season in the right fit.
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell singled out 15 players who changed teams this offseason and examined their fit in their new squad, as well as why they could break out in a new change of scenery.
Among Barnwell's list was Chargers running back Najee Harris, who joined the team in free agency after four seasons in Pittsburgh.
Harris was productive during his time with the Steelers as he had 1,000-yard rushing seasons in each of his four years there.
However, the ESPN analyst believes the Bolts are a perfect situation for Harris to thrive in not only with Justin Herbert under center to take away some of the offensive burden, but because of his fit in the offense.
Barnwell wrote:
A scheme shift might also benefit Harris. The Steelers leaned into zone schemes during the majority of Harris' time, despite most teams recently preferring gap runs. His best stretch as a pro came at the end of the 2023 season with interim offensive coordinator Eddie Faulkner, who leaned more into gap concepts. Harris has the size to succeed in those and has more wiggle when he's one-on-one against a defender than you might think.
Check out the best photos from OTA #1 of the Chargers 2025 offseason
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Los Angeles Chargers players participate in Phase 3 of the offseason program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
And while drafting fellow running back Omarion Hampton in the first round might even some of the carries, Barnwell believes this will help the veteran even more.
The rookie running back rushed for over 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns each of his last two collegiate seasons and now creates a physical duo in the backfield that will pay dividends to the run game according to Barnwell.
Having Hampton to help carry the load throughout the game could help Harris in a big way and keep him fresh the deeper the game gets and more effective.
Barnwell wrote:
Fantasy football managers were upset to see the Chargers add competition for Harris in the form of first-round pick Omarion Hampton, but that actually might help the 27-year-old be more efficient on a carry-by-carry basis. Harris ranks second in the league in carries over the past four seasons, trailing only [Derrick] Henry. While Henry has famously developed a reputation for getting better as the game goes along, that hasn't been the case for Harris; his success rate routinely drops after halftime.
While the Chargers offense hopes to get a boost from Harris, Barnwell also tabbed a defensive player on his list that could end up making a big impact for the team.
He chose cornerback Benjamin St-Juste, who joined a competitive position room but could carve out playing time for himself.
The veteran is someone Barnwell sees with big upside, as his physical attributes matches up well with what the Chargers coaching staff had success with last season at the position.
Even if St-Juste doesn't start right away, Barnwell believes he could be a factor later in the season.
Barnwell wrote:
The Chargers focused on size and physicality across the board this offseason, which should hardly be a surprise given their coach. When St-Juste has been at his best, he has been able to leverage his 6-foot-3 frame to challenge receivers at the line of scrimmage and on contested catch opportunities. He has a solid missed tackle rate (8.4%) as a pro, and while he entered the league as a 24-year-old, the Chargers might feel like there's more refinement to come to his game with better coaching.
St-Juste won't have a guaranteed starting role with Hart and Still returning. L.A. also signed Donte Jackson… St-Juste could end the season as a key starter on a potential playoff team or buried in a fourth or fifth cornerback spot. I'd argue he has more upside than most of the other cornerback signings this offseason.
