Dallas Cowboys Offense Looks Elite, But Najee Harris Could Be the Missing Piece in the Backfield
With Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb secured on long-term contracts, and George Pickens currently playing under the franchise tag, the Dallas Cowboys are once again positioned to field one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL heading into the 2026 season.
On paper, Dallas has all the ingredients of a high-powered unit: an elite quarterback, dynamic pass-catchers, and a productive ground game. Any concerns about the offense are minimal at best. However, the same cannot be said about the defensive side of the ball, which remains a major question mark after a disappointing 2025 campaign.
Cowboysâ Defensive Struggles Put Pressure on Front Office
After finishing last in scoring defense last season, team owner Jerry Jones faces mounting pressure to upgrade the roster. If the Cowboys hope to contend in a competitive NFC landscape, they must bring in impact defenders who can complement an already dangerous offense.
With two first-round picks in the upcoming NFL Draft, Dallas has a prime opportunity to address those defensive concerns. Still, free agency could play a key role in refining the rosterâespecially when it comes to adding depth on offense.
Running Back Depth: A Quiet but Real Concern
One overlooked issue for the Cowboys is the RB2 position behind starting running back Javonte Williams. While Williams emerged as a breakout star, the depth behind him remains unproven.
Following the departure of Tony Pollard after the 2023 season, Dallas has taken a conservative approach to investing in the backfield. That strategy yielded mixed results.
In 2024, Rico Dowdle stepped up and delivered a career-best performance. The trend continued in 2025 when Williams signed a modest one-year, $3 million deal and exceeded expectations with a breakout season. He totaled 1,338 yards from scrimmage and scored 13 touchdowns, helping power the leagueâs ninth-ranked rushing offense.
That performance earned Williams a three-year, $24 million extension, solidifying his role as Dallasâs lead back moving forward.
However, behind him, the depth chart raises concerns.
Malik Davis is currently penciled in as the RB2, but most of his contributions have come on special teams. While he showed flashes in limited offensive opportunities, he may not be the reliable option offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer wants to depend on in high-stakes situations.
The Cowboys also have Jaydon Blue, a 2025 fifth-round pick who entered the league with some intrigue. However, his rookie season was underwhelming, as he appeared in just five games and was frequently listed as a healthy scratch.
Simply put, neither Davis nor Blue provides the level of confidence needed behind a workhorse back like Williams. And in todayâs NFL, having reliable depth at running back is essential.
Why Najee Harris Makes Sense for Dallas
Thatâs where Najee Harris enters the conversation.
Currently a free agent, Harris is exploring his options for the second consecutive offseason. His market has developed slowly, largely due to his recovery from a torn Achilles injury. However, if he can return to full health, he could be an ideal fit for Dallas as a complementary piece.
Harris may not be known for explosive, highlight-reel runs, but he brings something equally valuable: consistency.
Throughout his career, he has averaged around 4.0 yards per carry and has been one of the most durable backs in the league prior to 2025. He logged at least 250 carries in each of his first several seasons and appeared in all 17 games annually before his injury.
Perhaps most importantly, Harris is dependable. Over 71 career games, he has lost just five fumblesâa stat that underscores his reliability and ball security.
The Value of a Reliable RB2 in Todayâs NFL
For the Cowboys, adding a player like Harris isnât about making headlinesâitâs about stability.
If Williams were to miss time due to injury, Dallas currently lacks a proven option who can handle 15â20 carries per game while maintaining offensive efficiency. Harris, at his best, can fill that role seamlessly.
He excels as a chain-mover, capable of grinding out tough yards and keeping the offense on schedule. That kind of skill set is especially valuable in late-game situations, short-yardage scenarios, and cold-weather matchups where physicality matters most.
Strategic Impact of a Potential Signing
Signing Harris wouldnât dramatically elevate the Cowboysâ already potent offense, but it would address a critical depth issue. It would also reduce the workload on Williams, helping preserve his effectiveness over a long season.
Additionally, bringing in a veteran like Harris would add experience to a relatively young running back room, creating a more balanced and resilient unit overall.
Final Outlook for the Cowboys
As the 2026 offseason unfolds, the Dallas Cowboys remain one of the most intriguing teams in the NFL. Their offense has the potential to rank among the leagueâs best, led by Prescott and a strong supporting cast.
However, success in the modern NFL requires more than star powerâit demands depth, durability, and smart roster construction.
While much of the spotlight will be on how Dallas addresses its defensive shortcomings in the NFL Draft, a quiet move like signing Najee Harris could prove to be one of the teamâs most practical and impactful decisions.
In a league where injuries are inevitable and depth often determines playoff success, adding a dependable RB2 might be exactly what the Cowboys need to take the next step.
