Cowboys Insider Reacts To Najee Harris Signing Rumor

With the Dallas Cowboys officially out of playoff contention, speculation is ramping up around potential 2025 draft picks and free agents. Among the team's pressing needs, the impending free agency of running backs Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott - well, especially Rico - has amplified discussions about strengthening the backfield.

Dowdle emerged as a bright spot late in the season, recently delivering three consecutive 100-yard rushing games, including a brief surge that rejuvenated the Cowboys’ ground attack. However, that momentum came to an abrupt halt in the team’s recent matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Cowboys’ struggles in the run game have fueled speculation that collegiate standout Ashton Jeanty, known for his dynamic play style, could be a top target in the first round of the draft. 

Meanwhile, rumors suggest the team might also pursue Steelers’ former first-round pick Najee Harris in free agency, often calling him a "perfect'' match in Dallas  ... and our Cowboys insider Mike Fisher has a response.

"My first response to these sort of hyperbolic reports is that there is no 'perfect' signing,'' Fish says. "Lawrence Taylor wouldn't be 'perfect.' Michael Jordan wouldn't be 'perfect.' And Najee Harris isn't LT or MJ.

"Najee turns 27 in March. That's not 'perfect.' He's sort of a plodder, rather than being explosive. That's not 'perfect.' And the Cowboys will need to ask themselves this: 'If Najee is so 'perfect' in 2025 free agency, amid speculation he might get $10 million a year ... why did his own Steelers team decline a fifth-year option on his for 2025 at $6.3 million?

"If Najee is so 'perfect,' why didn't the Steelers do that deal?''

Harris has delivered a strong 2024 campaign, helping Pittsburgh secure a playoff berth while contending for the AFC North crown; with 933 yards this year, he's on the verge of hitting the 1,000-yard rushing mark in all four of his NFL seasons.

Along with his success, Pittsburgh faces its own cap challenges, including the impending free agency of players like quarterback Russell Wilson (UFA) and Harris' partner running back Jaylen Warren who will be a restricted free agent.

Dallas could be well-positioned to make a move if star defender Micah Parsons follows through on his pledge to take a pay cut for free agency upgrades. In a fantasy world - while not a "perfect'' one - pairing Harris with a rookie like Jeanty could rejuvenate a Cowboys offense that struggled to maintain consistency on the ground in 2024.