Key Takeaways:
-The Dallas Cowboys could be potentially interested in Pittsburgh Steelers RB Najee Harris.
-Initial rumors emerged from Fan Sided and Bleacher Report; however, their credibility is currently under question.
-The Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t declared whether they will pick up Najee Harris’s fifth-year option.
-Dallas Cowboys managed to bring back Ezekiel Elliott on a budget-friendly contract.
The Dallas Cowboys might be trying to strike a possible surprise trade deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, focusing on running back (RB) Najee Harris, igniting speculations recently. Despite the return of Ezekiel Elliott to the Cowboys’ den on an economically viable contract, the whispers about the Cowboys’ interest in Harris haven’t died down.
Debating Rumors and Speculations
The rumor mills gained momentum when the Steelers hinted at not opting for the fifth-year contract for Harris. Emanating from sources from Fan Sided and Bleacher Report, the theory of this trade was first brought to light by 93.7 The Fan’s Adam Crowley. “The Dallas Cowboys could be interested in trading for Najee Harris,” Crowley stated, without confirming its verity.
This speculation was met with a quick rebuttal from NFL Network’s Jane Slater who slammed the reports as mere ‘click bait.’ She effectively cemented the fact the rumors might just be the handiwork of speculation mongers. Given Slater’s affiliation with the NFL, it’s difficult to overlook her statement.
Najee Harris’ Position with Steelers
On face value, Harris departure from the Steelers seems like an outlandish theory. In his Pro Bowl rookie season in 2021, Harris managed to chalk up 1200+ yards from scrimmage in each of his three seasons. However, eyeing the team’s glut of skilled RBs and Harris’s pricey stature, some find the rumors plausible.
The Steelers squad includes the dynamic Jaylen Warren and Cordarrelle Patterson, who compensate for the physical game component that Harris brings to the table. This makes the notion of trading Harris seem more feasible than expensive reinvestments.
As former values attached to RBs take a hit, Harris’s less than impressive 3.9 yards per rush average in his career makes harder to blindly seek an extension. The Steelers might see this potential trade as an economical decision rather than a performance-based one.
Dallas Cowboys Score a Steal with Ezekiel Elliott
The eagerness to procure another RB might seem unusual for the Cowboys, considering the recent return of Ezekiel Elliott. Once the NFL’s top-paid RB, Elliott now stands as a cost-effective asset for Dallas.
The financial aspects of Elliott’s re-entry speak volumes about Dallas’s smart budgeting. Spotrac reveals that Elliott is expected to earn a modest $2 million for the 2024 NFL season. With a salary of $1.25 million, and the remainder slated to come in signing and roster bonuses, this deal offers substantial value for the team.
With Elliott past his prime, his return adds a reliable option at a bargain price. Moreover, the one-year contract might serve as an incentive for Elliott to aim for a more lucrative deal later.
While speculation continues to swirl around the Cowboys’ potential interest in Harris, the truth is yet to unravel. The rumors will either be stamped out soon or confirm a surprising turn of events in the Cowboys’ camp.