The New York Giants are rolling the dice, grabbing some serious NFL experience for their running back room by agreeing to a one-year deal with former first-round pick Najee Harris. This isn’t some rookie flyer, folks. Harris ripped off over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his first four NFL seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, proving he’s a certified workhorse. But here’s the thing: he arrives in New York after his first year with the Los Angeles Chargers got cut dramatically short by a season-ending injury.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: What Harris Brings
Before that brutal injury, Harris was an absolute beast in Pittsburgh. He entered the league as the 24th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and immediately became a core part of the Steelers’ offense. We’re talking four straight seasons clearing 1,000 rushing yards. That’s not just consistent, that’s *elite* consistency, making him one of the league’s most reliable backs during that stretch. He’s piled up 4,373 rushing yards and 28 rushing touchdowns in his career, plus another 1,174 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns. That kind of production screams “significant workload,” and the Giants’ running back situation has been facing some uncertainty. Harris brings a veteran presence who has shown he can handle carrying the ball in high-volume situations, which is exactly what New York needs.
The Achilles in the Room: The Big Unknown
So, what’s the catch? It all comes down to health. After leaving Pittsburgh, Harris signed with the Chargers for the 2025 season. But his time in Los Angeles was a blink, lasting only three games before he suffered a torn Achilles. That injury wasn’t just season-ending, it left him searching for an opportunity to prove he can actually get back to his old self. The Giants are clearly banking on a full recovery, giving him that shot. Can he be the physical runner he once was after an Achilles tear? That’s the million-dollar question for everyone in New York as they head into the season.
Make or Break Time for a Former First-Rounder
At 28 years old, Harris still has time to remind the NFL why he was a first-round pick and one of the league’s most reliable 1,000-yard backs. This isn’t just a signing; it’s a huge opportunity for him to revive his career. If he can stay healthy and regain his form post-Achilles, the Giants might have just snagged one of the more intriguing veteran additions available this late in the offseason. For Harris, it’s all about proving he’s still got that game-changing fire. We’ll be watching to see if he can deliver on this chance and reshape his narrative.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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