New York Giants Sign Veteran Running Back Najee Harris to One-Year Deal
The New York Giants have shaken up their backfield by signing veteran running back Najee Harris to a one-year deal, a move that adds a massive, physical presence to head coach John Harbaugh’s offensive scheme. NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo first broke down the intricacies of the signing on Good Morning Football, revealing that the front office maintained steady contact with Harris’s representation while the former first-round pick worked his way back from a severe Achilles injury sustained during his stint with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Inside the Scouting Process and Harbaugh’s Physical Blueprint
General manager Joe Schoen kept close tabs on Harris as he approached the 11-month mark of his recovery from the Achilles tear he suffered in Week 3 of the 2025 season against the Denver Broncos. According to reporting highlighted by CBS Sports, Harris flew in for a private workout, impressed the coaching staff with his physical condition, stayed overnight, and finalized the contract the following morning. Head coach John Harbaugh noted his familiarity with the bruising runner from their mutual battles in the AFC North, telling reporters, “He’s an experienced back. Anybody that’s watched him play knows what type of a back he is. He’s a downhill runner, physical runner. I’ve played against him a lot. I have a good feel for who he is as a player.”
Harris joins a rich lineage of power-running specialists favored by Harbaugh throughout his coaching career, echoing past downhill workhorses like Derrick Henry, Gus Edwards, and Mark Ingram II. To clear roster space for the newcomer, the Giants released veteran wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, signaling a distinct commitment to establishing an imposing, run-heavy identity in New York.
Backfield Dynamics and Complications for the Giants’ Roster
Harris steps into a crowded room that already features several established contributors vying for touches under offensive coordinator Greg Roman. Entering the season, 2025 fourth-round pick Cam Skattebo was projected to lead the backfield, though he has spent the offseason managing a grueling recovery from a complex leg injury that included an open tibia fracture, an ankle dislocation, and a deltoid ligament rupture. Meanwhile, 2024 fifth-rounder Tyrone Tracy and veteran Devin Singletary round out a deep rotation that also makes heavy use of fullback Patrick Ricard.
At 6-foot-1 and 242 pounds, Harris instantly becomes the largest pure runner in the Giants’ offensive meeting rooms. While his primary value lies in grinding out tough yardage on early downs, his history as a capable pass protector means he could quickly carve out snaps on passing downs as well. “I want opportunity,” Harris remarked after his first practice in blue, as reported by CBS Sports. “I think this is a good opportunity here. I think the style of play that they’re heading towards is the style of play that aligns with me.”
What Lies Ahead for New York’s Offense
The coaching staff plans to implement a slow, deliberate ramp-up period for Harris to ensure he fully regains his explosive speed before meaningful regular-season snaps. With quarterback Jaxson Dart orchestrating an offense that relies heavily on multi-back rotations and heavy personnel groupings, integrating a player of Harris’s stature presents both tactical advantages and roster challenges. As the team builds toward its Week 1 opener, all eyes will be on how rapidly Harris transitions from a rehabbing free agent into a centerpiece of New York’s ground game. How do you see this crowded backfield shaking out once the games start counting? Let us know your thoughts below.
