Giants Sign Najee Harris, Release JuJu Smith-Schuster in Roster Shakeup

by USports EditorsAugust 18, 2026, 10:52 pm >

The New York Giants made two notable roster moves on Tuesday, signing running back Najee Harris while releasing wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster.

Why the Giants Needed Harris

The move comes after running back Dante Miller suffered a preseason groin injury, leaving the Giants short on depth in the backfield, according to the team’s official site. Harris steps in as a proven veteran presence, standing 6’1″ and weighing 242 pounds, with 71 career games and 68 starts under his belt and a career average of 3.9 yards per carry.

Harris’s Path to New York

A former first-round pick, Harris was drafted 24th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2021 and earned a Pro Bowl selection while rushing for more than 1,000 yards in each of his first four NFL seasons. He signed with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2025 but tore his Achilles in Week 3 against Denver, ending that season prematurely. The Giants signing gives him a fresh opportunity to prove he’s fully recovered.

A Familiar Face for the Coaching Staff

Giants head coach John Harbaugh is no stranger to Harris, having faced him repeatedly during his time coaching in the AFC North. “I felt like the hair on the back of my neck stood up when I saw him,” Harbaugh said, describing Harris as “a downhill runner, physical runner.”

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Harris’s Mindset Heading In

A two-time national champion and Doak Walker Award winner at Alabama, Harris made clear he’s motivated to reestablish himself after the injury. “I have a lot to prove as somebody coming back from a torn Achilles,” he said.

What It Means for the Roster

Releasing Smith-Schuster clears a spot as the Giants pivot toward shoring up their running game rather than their receiving corps, underscoring how significant Miller’s injury was to their roster planning. With Harris now in the fold, the Giants add a physical, experienced ball carrier just as the season approaches — a low-risk, potentially high-reward addition if he returns to form.