The new league year is set to begin next week, and teams across the NFL are gearing up to make moves. The New York Giants have a lot of work to do.
After a disastrous 2024 season in which they went 3-14, setting franchise records for most losses in a regular season and the longest losing streak in team history (10 games), this offseason is a crucial one for general manager Joe Schoen and company.
While all eyes will be on what the Giants do with the third overall pick in the NFL Draft—where they are expected to select a quarterback—this team has plenty of other holes to fill, particularly on offense. After scoring fewer than 20 points in 12 games last season, offensive upgrades should be a priority. And while rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. exceeded expectations in 2024, the Giants could add a veteran back with ties to head coach Brian Daboll in free agency.
NY Giants could sign Najee Harris in free agency
Few saw this move as a possibility, but in a recent article for Bleacher Report, Brent Sobleski suggested the Giants could sign Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris, who played under Daboll at Alabama when he was the offensive coordinator in 2017.
"Players like familiarity. On the surface, the New York Giants and Najee Harris may not make the most sense, particularly with last year's play from rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. Harris isn't going to step in the G-Men's lineup and serve as the bell cow. But that's probably the case wherever he lands," Soblenski wrote. "Keep the following in mind: Giants head coach Brian Daboll was the Alabama Crimson Tide's offensive coordinator when Harris entered the program. Their relationship could easily play into where the running back lands."
Harris joining the Giants wouldn’t have been on many people's bingo cards this offseason, especially with Tracy expected to be the starting running back. However, as Sobleski noted, Harris’ connection with Daboll and his veteran presence could be a valuable addition for a potential rookie quarterback.
Since being drafted by Pittsburgh in 2021, the 27-year-old has rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his first four NFL seasons, averaging just under four yards per carry with a total of 28 rushing touchdowns. If the Giants end up with a rookie quarterback under center early in the season or later down the road, surrounding him with experienced talent will be key.
Harris may not seem like the most logical fit for the Giants, but with his connection to Daboll and his consistency as a rusher, his addition could help solidify one of the better running back rooms in the NFL.