Giants Sign Najee Harris to 1-Year Deal Following Monday Workout

The New York Giants are signing running back Najee Harris to a one-year deal after the veteran rushed for 61 yards in three games last season.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The New York Giants have reached an agreement to sign free agent running back Najee Harris to a one-year contract. The 28-year-old veteran, who was selected 24th overall in the 2021 NFL draft out of Alabama, joins the roster following a Monday workout in East Rutherford. Harris spent the early portion of the 2026 season with the Los Angeles Chargers, where he appeared in three games and recorded 61 rushing yards on 15 carries before suffering a torn Achilles tendon.

Coach John Harbaugh, who recently joined the Giants after 18 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, confirmed the addition following the workout. The move comes as the team waives running back Dante Miller with an injury designation. Miller sustained a groin injury during the preseason opener against the Minnesota Vikings and is expected to be sidelined for a significant period. Harris now enters a depth chart featuring Cam Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy Jr. at the top, alongside veteran Devin Singletary, Eric Gray, and undrafted rookie Damon Bankston.

Recovery from Achilles Injury

Harris is currently working his way back from the season-ending injury he sustained while playing for Jim Harbaugh in Los Angeles. John Harbaugh noted that while the workout was successful, the running back is not yet at 100% health or in full football shape. The team expects a ramp-up process lasting several weeks before the veteran is ready for game action.

"He looked good in the workout," John Harbaugh stated on Monday. "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." The Giants head coach acknowledged the physical presence of the former Pro Bowler, remarking that he felt the hair on the back of his neck stand up upon seeing the size of the veteran back during the session.

Statistical History in Pittsburgh

Prior to his brief stint with the Chargers, Harris established himself as a durable starter for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He surpassed the 1,000-yard rushing mark in each of his first four professional seasons. As a rookie in 2021, he earned a Pro Bowl selection and maintained that production level throughout his tenure in the AFC North. John Harbaugh is familiar with the ball carrier's style from their frequent divisional matchups during his time in Baltimore.

The Giants had been monitoring Harris for approximately one month, waiting for his health to improve before finalizing a visit. Although the trip was scheduled last week, the injury to Dante Miller accelerated the need for backfield reinforcements. The team views this signing as a high-upside move for a decorated veteran who has proven his ability to carry a heavy workload when healthy.

Roster Impact and Timeline

The New York front office and coaching staff will evaluate Harris's progress as he integrates into the system. While the team acknowledges that not every veteran signing results in a perfect fit, Harbaugh indicated that the workout provided enough evidence to suggest the 28-year-old has a legitimate shot at contributing. The Giants waited until the veteran was sufficiently recovered from the Achilles tear before bringing him to the facility on August 17, 2026.

With Miller headed to the injury list, the backfield rotation remains fluid. Harris will compete for playing time against the existing group once he clears the necessary conditioning hurdles. The one-year deal provides the Giants with an experienced option behind Skattebo and Tracy Jr. as they prepare for the remainder of the 2026 campaign.