Is the solution to the Dallas Cowboys' poor rushing attack hidden in the upcoming free agency? Discover how Najee Harris can reshape the offense!
The Need for a Robust Rushing Attack
In 2024, the Dallas Cowboys concluded with one of the NFL's weakest rushing attacks, accumulating a mere 1,705 rushing yards, positioning them 27th in the league. Furthermore, the team experienced a struggle to find the end zone, notching only six rushing touchdowns—the lowest in the NFL. Such performance has spurred the team's leadership to scrutinize their options in free agency.
Why Najee Harris is the Prime Choice
With top names like Najee Harris, Aaron Jones, and Nick Chubb available this offseason, the Cowboys have a unique opportunity to revamp their backfield. Analysts, including Patrick K. Flowers from Bleacher Nation, have flagged Najee Harris as the most lucrative long-term option to bolster the team’s rushing game. Harris, who enters the market at 27, boasts an impressive track record from his years in Pittsburgh.
During his time with the Steelers, Harris amassed 4,316 rushing yards, ranking fifth in the league for that period. Renowned for his ability to gain yards after contact, he accrued 3,203 yards in such situations—ranking him fourth. These statistics underline why targeting Najee Harris should be a top priority for the Cowboys as they seek to enhance their offensive capabilities.
Contract Projections for Harris
Financially, analysts project that Najee Harris will command a three-year deal exceeding $9 million annually. This projected contract places him among the top running backs in the NFL running back market. Given the Cowboys' reported cap space of approximately $4 million, strategic moves, including reconstructions of existing contracts, are essential for bringing Harris to Dallas.
Cap Space Management Strategies
Acquiring a player of Harris’ caliber necessitates careful cap space management in the NFL. The Cowboys will need to explore various strategies to free up funds. Consider the following potential moves
- Restructure Dak Prescott's Contract: A prominent figure within the team, Prescott's contract holds significant weight in cap room management. A restructured deal could release essential funds.
- Extend Micah Parsons: By extending a cornerstone like Parsons, the Cowboys might create room on their salary cap early in the contract.
- Cutting Terrence Steele: Releasing some players, including Steele, might be tough but could lead to sufficient cap savings for pursuing Najee Harris.
Evaluating Harris' Consistency and Performance
Najee Harris has proven to be a consistent performer since entering the league in 2021, rushing for over 1,000 yards each season and earning a Pro Bowl selection as a rookie. In 2024, he maintained this trend with 1,043 rushing yards and six touchdowns, alongside 36 receptions for 283 receiving yards.
Despite impressive total yardage, debates loom over whether these statistics fully reflect his potential. While Harris has carried the ball 255 times in each season, he has averaged just under 4.0 yards per carry. This leads to a conversation regarding the balance of workload vs. efficiency in his performances.
While critics may note that his yardage largely stems from heavy usage, he has established himself as a reliable workhorse, an attribute that could create a solid foundation for the Cowboys' rushing attack moving forward. His dual-threat capability as a pass-catcher also added value to his profile, potentially alleviating pressure on quarterback Dak Prescott by providing him another effective option in the passing game.
The Alternative Options
If Najee Harris doesn't land in a Cowboys uniform, other alternatives remain. Names like Nick Chubb and J.K. Dobbins could be less costly options for a short-term fix, although opting for a player like Harris may yield more significant dividends down the line. Chubb's power running and Dobbins' explosiveness add versatility but might not have the long-term potential that Harris offers.
Conclusion: A Path to Improvement
Targeting Najee Harris could significantly alter the landscape of the Cowboys' offense heading into next season. As they navigate the Dallas Cowboys free agency, focusing on the right moves and proper cap space management in the NFL will be foundational. With the potential to not only enhance their rushing attack but also provide Dak Prescott with an invaluable offensive weapon, the Cowboys have a chance to turn their fortunes around.
Investing in Najee Harris aligns well with the team's need for growth in their rushing department and makes a statement about their intent to contend in the upcoming seasons.