Giants sign former 1st-round NFL Draft pick, 4-time 1,000-yard rusher

The New York Giants are adding some serious NFL experience to their running back room. The team has agreed to a one-year deal with former first-round pick Najee Harris, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo. Harris brings a proven track record to New York, but he also arrives after a season-ending injury cut his first year with the Los Angeles Chargers dramatically short. MORE: 5 most improved NFL offenses entering 2026-2027 season Harris has proven he can produce Dec 21, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) rushes during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images Harris entered the NFL as the 24th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and immediately became a major part of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense. In each of his first four NFL seasons, Harris rushed for more than 1,000 yards, making him one of the league’s most consistent running backs during that stretch. Over those four seasons, Harris established himself as a durable workhorse and became a major piece of Pittsburgh’s offense. He has accumulated 4,373 rushing yards and 28 rushing touchdowns during his career, along with 1,174 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns. That production gives the Giants a veteran option who has already demonstrated that he can handle a significant workload. MORE: Predicting the AFC playoff teams ahead of the 2026-2027 NFL season Achilles injury changed his 2025 season Sep 21, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers medical staff check on running back Najee Harris (22) after an injury in the first half against the Denver Broncos at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images The biggest question surrounding Harris is his health. After leaving Pittsburgh, Harris signed with the Chargers for the 2025 season. Unfortunately, his season lasted only three games before he suffered a torn Achilles. The injury brought his first season in Los Angeles to an early end and left him searching for an opportunity to prove he can return to his previous form. Now, the Giants are giving him that opportunity. New York’s running back situation has dealt with some uncertainty, making the addition of an experienced player particularly important. Harris gives the Giants another physical runner who has extensive experience carrying the ball in high-volume situations. MORE: 4 NFL players with most pressure entering 2026-2027 season Chance for Harris to revive his career This could be a significant opportunity for Harris. At 28 years old, he still has time to get back to being the productive running back he was in Pittsburgh. If he can stay healthy and regain his form following the Achilles injury, the Giants could have landed one of the more intriguing veteran additions available this late in the offseason. For Harris, meanwhile, this is a chance to remind the NFL why he was once a first-round pick and one of the league’s most reliable 1,000-yard running backs. — Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —