The New York Giants signed free agent running back Najee Harris to a one-year contract on Tuesday, meaning he will be coached by a Harbaugh for a second straight year.
Financial terms were not disclosed for Harris, who spent last season playing for head coach Jim Harbaugh with the Los Angeles Chargers. Now, he will suit up for head coach John Harbaugh with the Giants; Harris went up against the elder Harbaugh plenty in their AFC North days, when he coached the Baltimore Ravens and Harris started for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
New York released veteran wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, 29, in a corresponding move. Smith-Schuster has played nine seasons, the last two with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Harris, 28, worked out for the Giants on Monday, approximately 11 months removed from sustaining an Achilles injury.
“It’s been a process, but learned a lot about myself,” Harris told reporters Tuesday after putting pen to paper. “Just trying to get back, get the strength back and push off of it.”
He went on to credit his physical therapy team and added, “They got me back and got my confidence back, too, in all of it. I’m feeling really happy about it and I’m proud of the work that I did.”
Harris said he didn’t know quite how long it would take to be in football shape, as he just got back into pads this week, but “it’s not going to take a long time.”
He joins a running back room that features second-year pro Cam Skattebo, veteran Devin Singletary and depth piece Tyrone Tracy.
“I want opportunity. I think this is a good opportunity here,” Harris said. “I think the style of play that they’re heading towards is the style of play that aligns with me. Harbaugh coming from the AFC North, me playing against him a lot of times, I know the type of style of football he wants. I think that we align with each other with what type of football we want to play. I think that just coming here is a good opportunity, and I’m willing to just put my foot in there and help out in any way I can.”
Harris was a first-round draft pick by the Steelers in 2021 and made the Pro Bowl as a rookie. He rushed for more than 1,000 yards in each of his four seasons with the Steelers (2021-24) before making three appearances last season with the Chargers.
Harris has rushed for 4,373 yards and 28 touchdowns and caught 183 passes for 1,174 yards and six scores in 71 career games (68 starts).
“He’s an experienced back,” John Harbaugh said. “Anybody that’s watched him play knows what type of a back he is. He’s a downhill runner, physical runner. I’ve played against him a lot. I have a good feel for who he is as a player. Everybody that’s been around him, my brother, (senior offensive assistant Greg Roman), Mike Tomlin, love him as a teammate. So, excited for the possibilities.”
–Field Level Media
