The Dallas Cowboys improved their roster in the NFL Draft, but the current product is not the final version we'll see come September. In a perfect world, the Cowboys will have added another nose tackle, wide receiver and a running back to complement Ezekiel Elliott.
As far as the running back position is concerned, the Cowboys really have no excuse not to sign another starting-level talent. Jerry Jones is adamant that Elliott can still be a lead back. Coming off a career-low 3.5 yards per carry and entering his age-29 season, though, Elliott is better suited as a short-yardage option in a committee.
While the free agent market is slim pickings, multiple quality RBs could become available for trade between now and the start of the new season. The Bears' Khalil Herbert and the Texans' Dameon Pierce are two names to watch in that regard.
However, a wild rumor from Adam Crowley of 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh claimed Dallas was interested in a Najee Harris trade. Just a few hours later, NFL Network insider Jane Slater shot it down in emphatic fashion.
On these Najee Harris and Cowboys reports, team source tells me “click bait” 🤷🏼♀️
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) May 6, 2024
Cowboys insider deflates wild Najee Harris trade rumors
That settles that. Continue on with your week, Cowboys Nation.
In all seriousness, Harris would be a terrible fit in Dallas' backfield. The Cowboys reportedly want to add "juice" to their rushing attack. Harris has eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards in each of his first three seasons, but he does not check the "juice" box. He averages 3.9 yards per attempt for his career and has very questionable vision for a former first-round pick.
That inefficiency is why the Steelers declined Harris' fifth-year option last Thursday. It only would've cost them $6.65 million to pick it up. One would think Pittsburgh would have exercised it to keep Harris at an affordable rate for an extra year before (presumably) letting him walk after the 2025 season.
That fact the Steelers declined says it all. That's not to say Harris isn't capable of producing. He ranked among the league's best rushers last season in yards after contact per carry and missed tackles forced.
However, Jaylen Warren is the best back on Pittsburgh's roster. Warren averaged 5.3 yards per carry in 2023 to Harris' 4.1. He's more explosive and has better vision. A former undrafted free agent in 2022, Warren checks the "juice" box that the Cowboys desire. Only problem is he isn't going anywhere.
Luckily, there are several other RBs who could be had via trade that have the explosion and burst Dallas is looking for. It never felt legit that the Cowboys wanted Harris, but it's nice to see Jerry and Stephen Jones haven't totally lost their mind.
