Najee Harris a New York Giant in 2024? Not likely, but you never know. The Pittsburgh Steelers’ star running back has been identified as a trade candidate by Bleacher Report’s Ryan Fowler and the Giants are a possible suitor.
The Giants are entering the post-Saquon Barkley era with a committee approach at running back. Their depth chart is currently free agent addition Devin Singletary, unproven 2023 draft pick Eric Gray, rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr., and several other free agent hopefuls.
There is no more Saquon Barkley and continuing to explore talent via all avenues would be wise of the Giants’ GM (Joe Schoen). Especially if the Giants want to remain competitive in 2024.
The Steelers declined Harris’ fifth-year option this spring. He was the 24th overall selection out of Alabama in the 2021 NFL draft.
Harris rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his first three NFL seasons and has scored 28 total touchdowns but has yielded snaps to backup Jaylen Warren the past two years.
Considering the Steelers declined Harris’ fifth-year option, a move sooner rather than later would present Pittsburgh with some remanence of a return, even if it’s a late-round or compensatory selection.
Optimism remains for Harris as known running back guru Arthur Smith enters his first season as Pittsburgh’s OC. But with Warren’s consistent annual uptick in production and the team’s comfortability with not picking up Harris’ option, tea leaves have begun to spawn towards Harris’ departure.
But the Giants may not be the place for Harris. As we have learned, Schoen is not interested in over-investing in running backs. Although Harris could be likely had for a mid-round pick, the Giants don’t seem to have the appetite for this type of move at the moment.
