Najee Harris worked out for the New York Giants on Monday, and there were still real questions about whether the team would actually bring him on. The running back is continuing to work his way back from a torn left Achilles suffered nearly a year ago, and that kind of recovery timeline usually invites caution.
It didn’t stop John Harbaugh from liking what he saw and heard, and the Giants have now agreed to a one-year deal with Harris. The addition came after New York waived running back Dante Miller with an injury designation after he suffered a groin injury in the preseason opener against the Minnesota Vikings, an injury expected to keep him out for a while.
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
The bigger move came at another position entirely. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Giants released Pro Bowl wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, just months after signing him.
Smith-Schuster had agreed to a one-year deal with New York back in June following a workout, joining a receiver room that already included Odell Beckham Jr. and Braxton Berrios.
The 29-year-old spent nine seasons across Pittsburgh, Kansas City and New England, finishing with 481 receptions for 5,624 yards and 35 touchdowns. He made his only Pro Bowl in 2018 and won Super Bowl 57 with the Chiefs.
Harris, meanwhile, brings four seasons of proven production to the backfield. He posted four straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons with the Steelers and earned a Pro Bowl nod after the 2021 campaign.
Coach Harbaugh was clear that Harris isn’t all the way back yet, saying the running back still isn’t fully recovered or in football shape, and calling the process of integrating him an ongoing one.
He did point to Harris’ size, experience and overall ability as reasons to be patient. Harris now joins a backfield that includes Cam Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary.
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