The Dallas Cowboys have always had some of the most intriguing storylines in the NFL, but as we approach 2024, it’s nearly difficult to anticipate what Jerry Jones and company will do.
If you listen to Jones, he’s maintaining to his declaration that Dallas is “all in” for 2024, with the objective of eventually making the playoffs and securing another Lombardi Trophy.
After the Cowboys were eliminated from the playoffs early, this rationale made sense. They had a squad stocked with talent on both sides of the field, and its franchise quarterback, Dak Prescott, was in the MVP debate for most of the year, finishing 2023 with one of his greatest statistical seasons as a pro. The Dallas Cowboys were unbeaten at home and entered the playoffs as the No. 2 seed.
But, as everybody with a pulse has come to anticipate, Dallas choked in the first round of the playoffs, losing to a youthful Green Bay Packers club that barely made the playoffs.
There was speculation that Jerry Jones might make substantial moves following the loss, but he did not. He kept head coach Mike McCarthy until 2024 and made it obvious that Prescott will be the team’s quarterback going forward.
Almost every NFL Insider projected that the Dallas Cowboys would grant Prescott a contract extension to free up salary space and add new players in free agency, but Jones has done nothing and is allowing Dak Prescott to finish out his contract.
The team has lost key coaches, including defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who moved several assistants to the Cowboys’ rival, Washington, when he accepted the head coaching position. Aside from coaching, Dallas is projected to replace some of its best playmakers on both sides of the ball. One of the most obvious needs is for a running back to fill the vacuum left by Tony Pollard, who signed with the Tennessee Titans.
The Dallas Cowboys are expected to trade for two-time champion RB Najee Harris.
Kline proposed a trade for the Cowboys, acquiring Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris and a 2025 sixth-round pick in exchange for a 2025 fourth-round pick, to fill a void left by Tony Pollard’s departure.
“As for Dallas, any semblance of established talent would be nice,” Kline said. “Dowdle has done well in a change-of-pace role over the last few years, but he is not RB1 material.” Deuce Vaughn is a fan favorite, but giving him too many reps could lead to tragedy.”
Why is Najee Harris the perfect solution for the Dallas Cowboys?
Throughout his three-year career, he has started all 51 potential games, making him one of the NFL’s most durable backs. Since entering the league in 2021, Harris has accumulated the second most carries of any running back. To top it all off, Harris was a two-time national champion running back for the University of Alabama.
While his effectiveness hasn’t been great (he averaged less than 4.0 yards per rush in his first two seasons), he has demonstrated that he won’t get hurt and can take the burden. Furthermore, he has demonstrated the ability to lead a rushing attack while still functioning effectively in a committee system. Backup Jaylen Warren averaged 5.3 yards per carry as a supplementary back.
Although the Dallas Cowboys do not presently have a starting back on their roster, they do have a variety of players capable of filling that job, including Rico Dowdle, Malik Davis, and Deuce Vaughn. Harris is the ideal workhorse back, and the younger runners can complement his style.
