The New York Giants have released running back Najee Harris – just two days after the NFL veteran publicly criticized coach John Harbaugh.
The 28-year-old, a former first-round draft pick, joined the Giants ahead of the 2026 season after returning from a Achilles tear.
He appeared in five games, including Sunday’s 34-27 loss to the New Orleans Saints, when he amassed just two yards from four carries.
Following the game, Harris bemoaned his lack of opportunities, claiming: ‘It’s hard to get into a rhythm with one or two plays.’
The 28-year-old continued: ‘If you’re getting a play here and then get taken out for a series, there’s nothing you could do. I’ve never been through none of this before.’
Two days after Harris’ comments, the Giants released the running back, leaving Cam Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy Jr and Devin Singletary as Harbaugh’s backfield options.
The Giants have released running back Najee Harris after he criticized coach John Harbaugh
Harbaugh has bemoaned his running backs’ failure to ‘really take the bull by the horns’
The 28-year-old, a former first-round draft pick, joined the Giants ahead of the 2026 season
Heading into the season, Skattebo was primed to be the Giants’ No 1 running back but he barely featured against the Saints.
And following Sunday’s loss to New Orleans, Harbaugh moaned that none of his running backs ‘has really taken the bull by the horns.’
The head coach, who is in his first season in New York, said he would ‘love’ the chance to have a clear first choice – as he did at the Ravens with Derrick Henry and the Giants did before Saquon Barkley’s exit.
‘That would be great and we haven’t [had it],’ Harbaugh said. ‘Our run game hasn’t earned that yet, and none of those guys have. My advice would be to any player, and it’s all the guys, we had the same conversation.
‘I’ve had the same conversation with all the running backs, the receivers, it’s no different than any position, but do the most you can with the opportunities you get.’
