Najee Harris has a new home.
The veteran running back is inking a one-year deal with the New York Giants, according to multiple reports on Tuesday, Aug. 18. It came on the heels of a visit to the team's facility on Aug. 17, which was preceded by an extended stay on the free agent market after the Los Angeles Chargers opted to go in a different direction.
Harris' one season with the Chargers was far from ideal. Playing outside of Pittsburgh for the first time in the NFL, Harris saw his 2025 offseason upended by a fireworks accident that sidelined him for all of training camp.
Once the games officially began on the field, Harris was supposed to be part of a backfield tandem with the rookie, Omarion Hampton. That partnership quickly ended when Harris suffered a torn Achilles in Week 3 against the Denver Broncos.
The injury caused the running back to miss the first game of his NFL career. He previously played in all 71 regular season and three postseason contests prior to joining the Chargers. Notably, Harris spent that season with Jim Harbaugh's team.
In 2026, that will be with the other Harbaugh brother, John, who took over the Giants after 18 seasons coaching the Baltimore Ravens.
Harbaugh spoke about the running back that used to be on the other side of the Ravens' famed rivalry with the Steelers when he met with reporters on Aug. 17.
"He looks good in the workout," Harbaugh said. "He's not back 100%, he's not in football shape yet. If we are able to do something, it'll be a process. That would be a guy that has a lot of experience. He's a decorated vet."
It's unclear if that previous Harbaugh connection helped him get a visit with the Giants, but none of that matters now. The only task for Harris is getting back to football shape so he can try to make the team.
How does Najee Harris fit with the Giants?
The Giants weren't in desperate need of a running back, but Harris certainly improves the team's depth. It remains to be seen if this signing is an indictment on Tyrone Tracy Jr., who missed a key block in the preseason opener that led to Jaxson Dart taking a big hit.
Dart was evaluated for a concussion and later cleared to return, but the Giants seemingly caught a break.
Harris' veteran presence would signal some added insurance in a backfield that also includes Cam Skattebo, who is returning from a significant ankle injury.
It's unclear if he'll break camp with the team, but this is an inexpensive, low-risk signing that might pay off down the road.
Najee Harris stats
Harris totaled 5,461 scrimmage yards on 1,277 touches across four seasons with the Steelers in 71 regular season games. The running back added 34 total touchdowns, establishing himself as not only a reliable player in the offense, but a durable one as well.
The Steelers invested the 24th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft in Harris and saw him provide at least 1,000 rushing yards in every season with the team.
Harris was unable to replicate the production with the Chargers thanks to his injury. He finished with just 18 touches and 86 total yards in three games with L.A.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Najee Harris signs with Giants: How RB fits in New York depth chart