Giants Suddenly Have an Unexpected Secret Weapon

The New York Giants have certainly overhauled their offense this offseason, signing tight end Isaiah Likely as well as wide receiver Darnell Mooney and Calvin Austin III in free agency. They also drafted receiver Malachi Fields and lineman Francis Mauigoa.

The Giants didn't stop there, though.

Following a preseason injury to running back Dante Miller, New York turned around and signed Najee Harris, a former Pro Bowler who posted four straight 1,000-yard campaigns for the Pittsburgh Steelers between 2021 and 2024.

Harris averaged just 3.9 yards per carry during that span, and he tore his Achilles three games into his one-year tenure with the Los Angeles Chargers last season, but he is a big name itching for another opportunity.

And New York seems prepared to give it to him.

In fact, Harris already scored a touchdown during the Giants' scrimmage against the Miami Dolphins in a joint practice this week, eliciting effusive cheers from his new teammates.

On Friday morning, ESPN's Jordan Raanan wrote a piece about Big Blue's backfield, and he reported that Harris was brought in to be a "significant contributor."

Now, it should be noted that New York gave Harris a one-year, $1.25 million contract with no guaranteed money, so the Giants could cut him loose with no strings attached. But they also surely wanted to see how healthy he looked first.

Thus far, Harris checks out in that department.

The hulking 6-foot-1, 242-pound halfback is an obvious short-yardage and goal-line option, and it should also be noted that Harris is a fine pass-catcher, as well. He has amassed 183 receptions throughout his NFL career, and he snared 74 balls with the Steelers during his rookie campaign in 2021.

There are many ways New York could utilize Harris, who, again, isn't the most efficient runner in the world, but could absolutely have a role in a team's running back room.

Cam Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy are unquestionably the Giants' top two backs. Harris will duke it out with Devin Singletary for the No. 3 role, but given that Singletary doesn't provide anything particularly unique, you get the feeling Harris will win the job.

Whether or not John Harbaugh decides to keep four halfbacks remains to be seen. If he doesn't, Singletary could be a cut candidate.

But one thing seems clear: the G-Men may have a new, unexpected secret weapon in the form of Harris.