EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The New York Giants added Najee Harris this week, further crowding a backfield that already features Cam Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary. Harris is a four-time 1,000-yard rusher and, according to ESPN, signed a one-year minimum salary deal worth $1.215 million with no guaranteed money.
Coach Kyle Harbaugh said the club prefers depth at the position and described Harris as a physical, downhill runner who fits the Giants’ style. Harris is listed at 6-foot-1 and 242 pounds and took three days to get into live drills, receiving three carries during Thursday’s joint practice with the Miami Dolphins.
Skattebo has been the primary back much of training camp and was the starter in the preseason opener despite coming off an open right ankle fracture. Harbaugh said Skattebo ran well against the Minnesota Vikings and has made substantial progress, though he is not “100% twitchy and explosive yet.” ESPN reported that Skattebo remains the Giants’ top option.
Tracy has been working with starting quarterback Jaxson Dart and was the first running back up at a recent practice. His missed block that sent Dart to the blue medical tent during Saturday’s practice drew Harbaugh’s displeasure but, according to ESPN, did not remove Tracy from the team’s plans. Tracy’s pass-block win rate last season was 83.3%, comparable to Singletary’s 84.6% and notably higher than Skattebo’s 66.7%.
Singletary has been active in the passing game this summer, ranking second to tight end Isaiah Likely in catches during live drills on throws from Dart, and he also ran well in the preseason opener. The club says it expects internal competition to determine roles after camp.
ESPN reported the Giants had been in contact with Harris’ representatives for months and that the workout was scheduled last week. Harbaugh added the situation will play out on the field, and Harris said he wants opportunity and believes the team’s style aligns with his, with the possibility he could earn significant carries as the season progresses, according to ESPN.
