Giants sign Pro Bowl RB to bolster backfield, release prominent WR to make room (UPDATE)

UPDATE: To make room on the roster for Najee Harris, the Giants released fading veteran wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, according to ESPN. A once-prominent name in the NFL, Smith-Schuster was a long shot to make the Giants’ roster this summer, especially once a knee injury sidelined him. And now, officially, he’s a goner.

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The Giants on Tuesday signed running back Najee Harris, a day after hosting him on a free agent visit, according to NFL Network.

This is an intriguing addition for first-year coach John Harbaugh, who wants to use a run-heavy offense. That means significant roles for Cam Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy — and maybe now also Harris.

The lingering question for Harris: Has he regained his explosiveness?

In 2025, his lone season with the Chargers, he suffered a torn Achilles tendon in Week 3.

Before that, he started his NFL career by mostly playing well for the Steelers from 2021-24. He made the Pro Bowl in 2021, as the 24th overall pick. And he still just 28 years old.

But how will he perform this season, coming off last year’s serious injury?

From 2021-24, Harris accumulated 1,667, 1,263, 1,205 and 1,326 rushing/receiving yards, with 10, 10, eight and six total touchdowns. As a rookie, he led the league with 381 touches.

The Giants won’t rely on him that heavily, but he certainly could have a role for them.

Coming out of training camp, could Harris push aside Devin Singletary as the Giants’ third running back? It’s possible. Singletary took a pay cut to return to the Giants this offseason.

Harbaugh knows Harris well. When Harbaugh coached Baltimore and Harris starred in Pittsburgh, they faced each other twice per season. Last season, Harris played for Harbaugh’s brother Jim in Los Angeles.

Here’s what John Harbaugh said Monday right after Harris’ visit to the Giants: “He looked good in the workout. You know, he’s not back 100%. He’s not in football shape yet. So if we are able to do something, it’ll be a process. But that would be a guy that has got a lot of experience.

“With those guys, generally, you just have to see where they’re at when you get them. Sometimes, it works out great. Sometimes, it’s just OK. And other times, it doesn’t work out. But based on the workout, I would say we feel like he’s got a shot. We’ll just have to see how it goes.”

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