New NFL Rumors on Najee Harris Having 'Significant' Role with Giants After 1-Year Contract

Despite being signed just three days ago, the New York Giants are reportedly planning for Najee Harris to be a big factor in their running back rotation this season.

Per ESPN's Jordan Raanan, the Giants brought Harris in to have a "significant" role in their offense.

"He was brought in under the premise that he's going to be a significant contributor, even though a source told ESPN he signed a one-year minimum salary $1.215 million deal with no guaranteed money," Raanan wrote.

Giants head coach John Harbaugh seemed to indicate Harris would have a chance to elevate his spot on the depth chart throughout the remainder of the preseason if he plays well.

"I mean, football's competitive, the NFL's competitive, and we're building the strongest team we can," Harbaugh said (h/t Raanan). "And [Harris is] a really good football player. So that's it."

Harris signed with the Giants on Tuesday and got three touches in Thursday's joint practice against the Miami Dolphins, per Raanan.

The timing of Harris' deal is notable because there was a lot of criticism aimed at Tyrone Tracy Jr. coming out of New York's preseason opener against the Minnesota Vikings on Aug. 15.

In particular, Tracy whiffed on a block in the first quarter that resulted in Jaxson Dart taking a hard hit from Vikings safety Jay Ward.

Dart remained on the turf for a few seconds afterward and had to go through concussion evluation before returning to the game.

There's no indication that Tracy's role with the Giants has changed following the Vikings game. Adam Levitan of Establish the Run even pointed out after Harris was signed that New York had been linked to several running backs during the offseason, including Kenneth Walker III and Jeremiyah Love.

Running back depth is something the Giants needed to be mindful of with Cam Skattebo returning from a right ankle dislocation, open tibia fracture and ruptured deltoid ligament that ended his rookie season in Week 8 last year.

Harris has a strong track record as a running back and receiver. He started 68 consecutive games in his first four seasons, but an Achilles injury in Week 3 ended his 2025 campaign with the Los Angeles Chargers early.

During his four years with the Steelers, Harris ran for more than 1,000 yards in each season. He also averaged 45 receptions per season during that period.

Harris will be part of a Giants backfield that includes Skattebo, Tracy and Devin Singletary.