Could Najee Harris Join the Dallas Cowboys? CBS Sports Analyst Says the Fit Makes Perfect Sense

The Dallas Cowboys offense is returning most of its major contributors in 2026, but one position group still lacks depth: running back. With questions about consistency behind their lead rusher and a thin rotation beyond him, the Cowboys are expected to explore upgrades.

This week, CBS Sports analyst Bryan DeArdo made a compelling case that Najee Harris is the ideal target for Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.

Why Najee Harris Fits What Dallas Needs

DeArdo’s argument centers around Harris’ rare physical profile and all-around skill set.

At 6-foot-1 and 242 pounds, Harris is a bruising power back who thrives on contact and wears down defenses late in games. While he lacks elite top-end speed, DeArdo notes that Harris still displays enough acceleration and lateral movement to attack the edge effectively.

What sets Harris apart, though, is his three-down versatility:

• Pass protection: One of the best blocking backs of his draft class.

• Receiving ability: Caught 74 passes from Ben Roethlisberger during his breakout rookie season.

• Durability: Did not miss a single game from 2021–24.

For a Cowboys team trying to lighten the load on starting RB Javonte Williams, Harris checks every box.

Cowboys’ Current RB Depth Is a Real Concern

Williams produced 1,201 rushing yards last season, but no other Cowboys player topped 250 yards on the ground.

• Jaydon Blue, a 2025 fifth-round pick, logged only 38 carries in five games.

• The rest of the rotation lacked explosiveness or reliability.

• With a playoff-caliber roster, Dallas cannot risk overworking one running back again.

Adding Harris would give Dallas a legitimate 1B option—a player capable of handling 12–15 carries per game, protecting the quarterback, and providing goal-line strength.

The Achilles Injury & Why His Price Will Drop

Harris’ 2025 season with the Los Angeles Chargers lasted only three games due to an Achilles injury—an issue that often decreases market value for veteran running backs.

But before that injury:

• He posted four straight 1,000-yard seasons (2021–24).

• He remained one of the most durable RBs in the NFL.

Because he is coming off injury and hitting unrestricted free agency in March, teams expect Harris to be much cheaper this offseason than the one-year, $5.25 million deal he signed in 2025.

For Dallas, that combination—high upside + low financial risk—is extremely attractive.

Why Jerry Jones Might See Harris as a Perfect Move

Jerry Jones has a history of bringing in recognizable veterans whose skill sets align with immediate roster needs. Harris fits that pattern:

• Physical runner? ✔️

• Red-zone weapon? ✔️

• Pass-protection upgrade? ✔️

• Mentor for younger backs like Jaydon Blue? ✔️

And most importantly: he’s affordable.

With the Cowboys pushing for a deeper playoff run and emphasizing balance on offense, adding Harris gives Dak Prescott & Co. a more stable ground game.

Would Harris Accept a Complementary Role?

One important factor: Harris might need to accept a role that is not full-time RB1.

But:

• He’s coming off injury

• He needs a bounce-back season

• Dallas has a high-profile offense that could boost his value

For a veteran trying to reset his market, Dallas is an ideal landing spot.

Final Verdict: A Smart, Low-Risk, High-Reward Move

Bryan DeArdo’s recommendation isn’t just speculation—it’s a logical roster upgrade that fits both sides:

✔️ Cowboys get a powerful, versatile veteran RB at a discount

✔️ Harris gets a chance to revive his value on a playoff contender

✔️ The offense becomes more balanced & less dependent on Javonte Williams

If Harris’ market softens as expected, Dallas should absolutely explore the signing.