Giants Release Najee Harris After Five Games as Former Steelers Star Faces Uncertain NFL Future

The New York Giants are moving on from veteran running back Najee Harris just five games into his tenure with the organization.

New York officially announced Harris’ release Tuesday, October 20, ending a short and disappointing stint for a player who once established himself as one of the NFL’s most consistent 1,000-yard rushers.

The decision comes just two days after Harris expressed frustration with his limited workload following the Giants’ loss to the New Orleans Saints.

However, the organization has not publicly confirmed that his comments were responsible for his release.

A Disappointing Start in New York

Harris joined the Giants late in training camp while working his way back from a torn Achilles tendon suffered during his time with the Los Angeles Chargers.

The 28-year-old struggled to establish himself in New York’s crowded backfield.

Across five appearances, Harris rushed for just 99 yards on 31 carries, averaging approximately 3.2 yards per attempt.

His final appearance came Sunday against New Orleans, when the Giants lost 34-27.

Harris received only two carries for four yards, despite starting the game.

Following the loss, Harris expressed frustration with the team’s running back rotation, explaining that limited opportunities made it difficult for players to develop a rhythm.

Giants Looking for Answers at Running Back

Head coach John Harbaugh acknowledged Harris’ frustration but emphasized that the starting role must be earned.

New York has been searching for consistency in its running game, rotating between multiple backs rather than committing to one primary option.

With Harris gone, the Giants are left with Cam Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary as their primary running backs.

The team must now determine how to distribute carries moving forward.

The Giants also released linebacker Jihad Ward on Tuesday while promoting outside linebacker Trace Ford from the practice squad.

From Four Straight 1,000-Yard Seasons to Free Agency

Harris’ departure represents a significant change in circumstances for the former Pittsburgh Steelers first-round pick.

Selected in the 2021 NFL Draft, Harris rushed for more than 1,000 yards in each of his four seasons with Pittsburgh.

His durability and ability to handle a heavy workload helped establish him as a dependable offensive contributor.

But after suffering a torn Achilles tendon during his stint with the Chargers, Harris has struggled to regain that production.

His brief tenure with the Giants raises questions about how much he can contribute moving forward.

At 28, Harris could still attract interest from teams seeking experienced backfield depth.

However, any potential opportunity may come with a reduced workload and a need to prove he can still produce consistently.

MCSN’s Take: Harris Has Something Left to Prove

Najee Harris has a résumé that deserves respect. Four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons don’t happen by accident.

But the NFL is a production-driven business, and his performance in New York wasn’t enough to justify a larger role.

Harris has a legitimate point about how difficult it can be to find a rhythm when carries are limited.

At the same time, coaches aren’t obligated to give a player more opportunities simply because he wants them.

The injury recovery also matters. Coming back from a torn Achilles tendon is a significant challenge, particularly for a running back whose job depends on explosiveness and physical contact.

That doesn’t mean Harris is finished.

It does mean his next team will need to evaluate the player he is today rather than the player he was in Pittsburgh.

The bigger story isn’t that Harris was released after expressing frustration. It’s how quickly a once-reliable NFL starter has found himself fighting to prove he still belongs in a meaningful role.

His next opportunity could determine whether this is a temporary setback or the beginning of a different stage in his career.