Najee Harris has been a standout performer for the Pittsburgh Steelers over the past three seasons, yet the team has decided against extending his fifth-year option. This decision comes despite the arrival of Arthur Smith as the new offensive coordinator, a coach known for his preference to heavily utilize the running game.
The rationale behind Pittsburgh’s decision seems puzzling, especially considering Harris’ consistent performance and importance to the team’s offensive strategy.
Why the Dallas Cowboys Might Be the Perfect Fit for Najee Harris
On the other side of the NFL landscape, the Dallas Cowboys are approaching a critical phase. With Dak Prescott’s contract up for renewal and head coach Mike McCarthy potentially in his final season unless the team reaches the NFC Championship, the Cowboys are desperately looking to make significant moves.
Acquiring a player of Harris’ caliber could be just the catalyst needed for Dallas to extend their competitive window and make a deep playoff run.
How Could Dallas Cowboys Land Najee Harris?
Securing Harris won’t require the steep price some might expect. A realistic trade scenario could involve the Cowboys sending a fourth-round pick in the next NFL draft to Pittsburgh.
While this represents a modest premium for Dallas, the slight discrepancy in annual pay ($300,000 APY) is manageable within their salary cap constraints. This strategic move would bolster the Cowboys’ running game, which has been lackluster since the departure of Tony Pollard to the Tennessee Titans.
Potential Impact of Najee Harris Joining the Dallas Cowboys
Najee Harris has proven his worth time and again, rushing for over 1,000 yards in each of his three seasons with the Steelers, not to mention his impressive tenure at Alabama. The real question is why Pittsburgh would give up on such a productive player, especially when concerns about his longevity seem premature.
For Dallas, bringing in Harris could significantly upgrade their backfield, which has seen better days with the decline of Ezekiel Elliott and the unproven potential of backups like Deuce Vaughn and Rico Dowdle.
BREAKING: Steelers Mailbag: Will Steelers Extend Najee Harris, NFL Draft Class Grade? – Steelers Now https://t.co/OS2QhuZMID
— Live News Feed (@newsnetworks) May 5, 2024
Long-term Considerations for the Dallas Cowboys
While snagging Harris might offer a short-term boost, the Cowboys still face broader challenges, particularly concerning Dak Prescott’s future with the team. The ongoing uncertainty around Prescott’s contract situation and performance could overshadow potential gains from acquiring Harris, making this a complex decision for the team’s management.
A Calculated Risk Worth Taking?
Trading for Najee Harris represents a calculated risk for the Dallas Cowboys. It’s a move that could either propel them back into championship contention or serve as a mere stopgap in a season filled with uncertainties. However, the potential benefits of adding a player like Harris, who is still in the prime of his career, might just be too good for the Cowboys to pass up.
As the NFL season approaches, all eyes will be on Dallas to see if they can finalize this blockbuster trade, turning what has been a turbulent offseason into a hopeful new chapter for America’s Team.
