The New York Giants have the tall task of replacing Pro Bowl running back Saquon Barkley this season. Could Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris be a potential replacement for him?
New York Giants fans could see the writing on the wall when it came to their star running back. After a long-term deal wasn’t worked out during the 2023 offseason, parting ways in 2024 seemed to be the likely route.
That is exactly what happened, but it certainly stung seeing him join the rival Philadelphia Eagles. Barkley departing was bad enough; facing him twice a season now is just salt in the wound.
To help offset the loss of their star, the New York Giants signed veteran Devin Singletary. He will be joined by Gary Brightwell, 2023 fifth-round pick Eric Gray and 2024 fifth-round pick Tyrone Tracy Jr.
That depth chart could certainly use a little help. That is why Ryan Fowler of Bleacher Report has pitched the New York Giants making a trade for Najee Harris. He has suggested that Big Blue send a 2025 sixth-round pick and 2026 fourth-round pick to the Steelers in exchange for their former first-round running back.
“A Pro Bowl selection in his rookie campaign, a fresh start for Najee Harris could provide the breath of air he needs to work back to his high level of production.
Despite amassing over 1,000-yards in each of his first three seasons as a pro, his volume has annually decreased leaving many to speculate when Pittsburgh HC Mike Tomlin will ultimately turn the keys over to former undrafted rookie Jaylen Warren…
The Giants already roster three former Steelers in Allen Robinson, Gunner Olszewski and Miles Boykin, a nod towards Schoen’s likeness of Steelers skill players.
A move would benefit both sides, allowing Jaylen Warren to take over Pittsburgh’s backfield and Harris to get a fresh start, in a different conference, alongside Singletary,” wrote Fowler.
While the Steelers haven’t explicitly said that Najee Harris is available, that is the impression they are giving. The fifth-year option on his rookie contract was declined, meaning he will be a free agent in 2025.
With Jaylen Warren waiting in the wings, it seems unlikely the Steelers would sign Najee Harris to a long-term deal. Trading him for two future draft picks would certainly interest Pittsburgh.
Given the current state of the New York Giants roster, trading draft picks for a running back on an expiring deal feels like a short-sighted move. Already 26 years old, would they have any interest in extending him beyond the 2024 season with Singletary inking a three-year deal this offseason?
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