In a bold twist of offseason maneuvers, the Dallas Cowboys have found themselves at a crossroads with their running back lineup. The departure of Tony Pollard to free agency left a palpable void, one that the Cowboys struggled to fill, missing out on high-profile names like Derrick Henry due to cap space constraints.
Their draft strategy did not pan out either, with potential pick Jonathon Brooks being snapped up by the Carolina Panthers, leaving the Cowboys empty-handed without a new running back.
Dallas Cowboys Revisiting Familiar Grounds
In what some might call a reactionary measure, Dallas has re-signed Ezekiel Elliott. Elliott, a seasoned player whose prime is arguably behind him, is not poised to shoulder every-down responsibilities anymore. This move signals more of a stop-gap arrangement rather than a solid, long-term strategy.
Presently, the Cowboys’ backfield is rounded out by Deuce Vaughn and Rico Dowdle, a duo that hardly stirs confidence for a team with high aspirations.
Dallas Cowboys’ Eyeing Najee Harris
The real buzz, however, surrounds a potential blockbuster trade that could significantly alter the Cowboys’ fortunes. Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay has floated a proposal that sees the Cowboys targeting Pittsburgh Steelers’ Najee Harris.
After the Steelers opted not to pick up Harris’ fifth-year option, making him a free agent post-next season, speculation about his future has intensified, especially given the emergence of Jaylen Warren in Pittsburgh.
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“While Harris is not an elite running back, he is certainly better than what the Cowboys currently have on their depth chart,” Kay notes, acknowledging Harris’ consistent performance with three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons since his NFL debut.
Harris’ robust health record and his Pro Bowl season in 2021, where he dazzled with over 1,600 yards from scrimmage and 10 total touchdowns, make him an appealing candidate for the Cowboys.
Dallas Cowboys’ Strategic Acquisition?
Trading for Harris could be a clever move for Dallas. It would provide them with a reliable and proven commodity in the backfield, capable of carrying the bulk of the workload and complementing their offensive scheme.
The suggested trade, a 2025 fourth-round draft pick for Harris, seems a modest outlay for a player of his caliber and could be a win-win for both parties involved if the Steelers decide to refresh their roster and focus on Warren.
As the offseason progresses, it will be intriguing to see if the Cowboys firm up this strategy and secure a deal that could bring Harris to Dallas.
If executed, this trade could not only address the immediate need in the backfield but also signal to their fans that the Cowboys are serious about making strategic, impactful moves to remain competitive in the challenging landscape of the NFL.
