Giants RB Depth
Veteran Running Back Najee Harris, Recovering from Injury, Visits New York Giants as Free Agent
Key Points
Harris had already explored other teams this spring, meeting with the Raiders and Seahawks before his Giants visit.
Cam Skattebo is coming off a major ankle injury in the preseason, which could influence how the Giants assess adding Harris for depth.
Harris' career totals include 1,112 carries for 4,373 yards and 28 rushing touchdowns, plus 183 receptions for 1,174 yards and six receiving TDs; the Steelers declined his fifth-year option after 2023.
There is a coaching-connectivity angle: Greg Roman, who coordinated the Chargers’ offense last season, now serves as a senior offensive assistant under John Harbaugh, which could make Harris a more natural fit for a Ravens-style connection if he signs with the Giants.
The New York Giants are hosting free-agent running back Najee Harris for a visit, according to ESPN. Harris, 26, has not played since tearing his Achilles with the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 3 of last season. The Giants are looking to add depth after their backup running backs struggled in the preseason opener.
Harris brings a strong resume. He ran for over 1,000 yards in four straight seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. His career totals stand at 1,112 carries for 4,373 yards and 28 rushing touchdowns, plus 183 catches for 1,174 yards and six receiving scores, per ClutchPoints.
Giants' Running Back Room Hit by Injury Trouble
New York's backfield has taken some hits heading into the season. Cam Skattebo, the Giants' top young back, is recovering from a major ankle injury suffered in the preseason, according to GmenHQ. Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary are also in the room, but the team wants more insurance behind that group.
The Giants' visit with Harris is a direct response to that depth concern. GmenHQ reported that New York's backup backs had a poor showing in the preseason opener. That performance pushed the front office to bring in a proven veteran option.
Harris Worked Through a Tough Year with the Chargers
Harris signed with Los Angeles after the Steelers declined his fifth-year option following the 2023 season. His time with the Chargers lasted just two games. He managed only 15 carries for 61 yards before the Achilles tear ended his season, per NY Post.
An Achilles tear is one of the most serious injuries a running back can face. It often takes a full year to recover. Harris has been cleared for football activity, according to GmenHQ, which is a key reason teams are now willing to bring him in for visits.
Giants Are Not the First Team to Show Interest This Summer
The Giants visit is not Harris' first stop this offseason. He already met with the Las Vegas Raiders and the Seattle Seahawks before landing in New York, according to Steelers Now. That tour of teams shows Harris is healthy enough to visit and that NFL teams view him as a real option.
There is also a coaching connection worth noting. Greg Roman coordinated the Chargers' offense last season when Harris was on the roster. Roman now works as a senior offensive assistant under John Harbaugh with the Baltimore Ravens — not the Giants. But his familiarity with Harris could be a selling point if any team with ties to that staff pursues him.
What a Signing Would Mean for New York's Run Game
If the Giants sign Harris, he would not walk in as the starter. Skattebo and Tracy are the team's featured backs. Harris would fill a depth role and bring veteran experience to a young group. The Giants run a scheme that leans heavily on the ground game, which suits Harris' style.
The key question is how close Harris is to full strength. A player coming off an Achilles tear may need time to get back to his old form. New York would likely sign him to a short-term deal to manage that risk, per NY Post. For Harris, a Giants deal would give him a chance to show he is still an NFL-caliber back.
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