Giants’ Najee Harris signing raises an obvious Cam Skattebo question

Najee Harris brings an unusual resume to New York

Few running backs have been as productive and thoroughly debated as Harris. He surpassed 1,000 rushing yards during each of his four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. His yearly totals were almost comically similar: 1,200 yards as a rookie, followed by 1,034, 1,035 and 1,043.

Harris was dependable. Spectacular? Not often. He averaged 3.9 yards per carry in Pittsburgh and rarely supplied the breakaway runs expected from a former first-round pick. Still, there is value in a back who can absorb punishment, protect the football and remain available every Sunday.

That changed after Harris signed with the Los Angeles Chargers. A torn Achilles ended his 2025 season after only three games. He finished the year with 61 yards on 15 carries, leaving New York to determine how much of the old Harris remains.

His career numbers are substantial: 4,373 rushing yards, 28 rushing touchdowns, 183 receptions and another 1,174 yards through the air.

Cam Skattebo remains the more interesting player

Skattebo gave the Giants a jolt before his rookie season ended with a gruesome leg and ankle injury. In eight games, he ran 101 times for 410 yards and five touchdowns. He also contributed 24 catches for 207 yards and two scores. Those numbers only explain part of his appeal. Skattebo ran as if every defender had personally insulted him before the snap.

That style is also why another capable back makes sense. Skattebo returned in New York’s preseason opener and gained 19 yards on four carries. Encouraging, yes. Enough to declare him ready for a full season of violent collisions? Absolutely not.

Harris can take short-yardage work, handle stretches of a game and prevent the Giants from wearing Skattebo down before Halloween. If he looks healthy, he could earn more than that. Nothing about this backfield is settled yet.

This signing is insurance with some upside

The Giants now have four running backs with legitimate claims to playing time. Someone will eventually receive fewer touches than expected, and Singletary’s roster spot will naturally draw attention.

For now, Harris gives New York options. If Skattebo returns at full strength, Harris can complement him. If Skattebo needs time or suffers a setback, the Giants are no longer scrambling for a replacement. If Harris cannot recapture his pre-injury form, New York is only tied to him for one season.

It is not a glamorous signing. It may not even produce a clear winner. For a Giants team trying to protect Skattebo without placing him in bubble wrap, that is probably the point.