Najee Harris brings an uncommon resume to New York
Few working backs have been as productive and completely debated as Harris. He surpassed 1,000 dashing yards throughout every of his 4 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. His yearly totals had been nearly comically comparable: 1,200 yards as a rookie, adopted by 1,034, 1,035 and 1,043.
Harris was reliable. Spectacular? Not usually. He averaged 3.9 yards per carry in Pittsburgh and infrequently equipped the breakaway runs anticipated from a former first-round decide. Nonetheless, there’s worth in a again who can take in punishment, shield the soccer and stay accessible each Sunday.
That modified after Harris signed with the Los Angeles Chargers. A torn Achilles ended his 2025 season after solely three video games. He completed the 12 months with 61 yards on 15 carries, leaving New York to find out how a lot of the outdated Harris remains.
His profession numbers are substantial: 4,373 dashing yards, 28 dashing touchdowns, 183 receptions and one other 1,174 yards via the air.
Cam Skattebo stays the extra attention-grabbing participant
Skattebo gave the Giants a jolt earlier than his rookie season ended with a ugly leg and ankle damage. In eight video games, he ran 101 occasions for 410 yards and 5 touchdowns. He additionally contributed 24 catches for 207 yards and two scores. These numbers solely clarify a part of his enchantment. Skattebo ran as if each defender had personally insulted him earlier than the snap.
That fashion can also be why one other succesful again is sensible. Skattebo returned in New York’s preseason opener and gained 19 yards on 4 carries. Encouraging, sure. Sufficient to declare him prepared for a full season of violent collisions? Completely not.
Harris can take short-yardage work, deal with stretches of a recreation and stop the Giants from carrying Skattebo down earlier than Halloween. If he appears wholesome, he might earn greater than that. Nothing about this backfield is settled but.
This signing is insurance coverage with some upside
The Giants now have 4 working backs with professional claims to enjoying time. Somebody will finally obtain fewer touches than anticipated, and Singletary’s roster spot will naturally draw consideration.
For now, Harris provides New York choices. If Skattebo returns at full power, Harris can complement him. If Skattebo wants time or suffers a setback, the Giants are now not scrambling for a substitute. If Harris can’t recapture his pre-injury kind, New York is barely tied to him for one season.
It isn’t a glamorous signing. It could not even produce a transparent winner. For a Giants staff making an attempt to guard Skattebo with out putting him in bubble wrap, that’s in all probability the purpose.
