The New York Giants are bringing in a familiar face for head coach John Harbaugh, adding veteran linebacker Malik Harrison to their practice squad. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler dropped the report, confirming the Giants are getting a player Harbaugh knows well, and it signals a clear strategy for the early regular season.
Harbaugh Gets His Guy Back on the Sideline
This isn’t just any practice squad signing; it’s a reunion. Harrison spent five seasons playing directly for Harbaugh back in Baltimore before heading to Pittsburgh last season. The Steelers released him just this past Sunday, and it didn’t take long for Harbaugh to scoop him up. You gotta love when a coach gets to bring in a guy he trusts, especially a veteran with Harrison’s experience. During his time with the Ravens, Harrison played in 76 games and logged 34 starts. That’s some serious field time for a player now landing on the practice squad. Across both his stops with the Ravens and the Steelers, Harrison racked up 215 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and two sacks. Those are solid numbers for a guy who knows the grind.
The Special Teams Factor is Real
What does a move like this mean for the Giants early in the season? It’s all about special teams, plain and simple. Harrison was a regular on special teams for both AFC North clubs, logging heavy reps in that role. His presence on the practice squad means he’s immediately available to be elevated if the Giants need an extra body or a veteran presence in those critical third-phase plays. In the brutal world of the NFL, especially in the early weeks when teams are still finding their identity and depth, having a proven special teams contributor on call is invaluable. It’s a smart, low-risk move that could pay off big when the Giants need it most.
What’s Next for Harrison and the Giants
With the regular season kicking off, Harrison’s signing shows the Giants are thinking ahead, bolstering their depth with experienced players who can contribute immediately if called upon. Fans should keep an eye on his potential elevation as the season unfolds.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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