Owner Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys are no stranger to making headlines this time of year, typically from their roster moves … or lack thereof. This offseason, however, has proven a turn of the tide in Dallas’ timely move-making. We have seen plenty of activity, but nothing that is out of the ordinary … yet. Related: Eisen Suggests Shocking ‘All-Out’ Cowboys Mindset in Free Agency FOX Sports’ Henry McKenna expects that to change very soon, predicting the Cowboys will sign free agent running back Najee Harris.
“Folks think that the Cowboys’ owner is going to draft Ashton Jeanty in the first round,” McKenna wrote. “What if, instead, Jones brought in Harris to serve as a bruising runner for this offense?” Harris is certainly a top back this free agent class has to offer, but there are plenty of options across the league and in the NFL Draft for Dallas to consider.
Related: Ashton Announces Shocking Draft Comparison to Emmitt A comparison to a familiar face may sway the tides even more in Harris’ direction. “Harris isn’t an explosive runner, but he’s been efficient and violent in ways that might remind folks of Ezekiel Elliott in his prime…” McKenna said. As we’ve seen from the moves thus far, there looks to be an emphasis on bringing back home-grown talent, rather than chase a name in free agency. Especially at running back, one of Dallas’ most in-need positions. That would point to the Cowboys re-signing Rico Dowdle – who can also be efficient and violent – or finding an fresh legs in the Draft, where reports have featured a number of prospects linked to Dallas. But as McKenna says…
“Never let Jerry Jones surprise you. Expect the unexpected.” Related: Cowboys Have 4 Options In Fixing RB Conundrum If this offseason isn’t enough intel, Jones is already surprising Cowboys Nation … but for all the right reasons. Avoiding media at the NFL Combine, making timely moves to return impact players, and creating flexibility for the future all point to “unexpected” success of this offseason. Signing Najee Harris may be an intriguing move despite throwing off all momentum that seems to be building in a certain direction.
Harris turns 27 on Sunday, and has cemented himself as a reliable running back, surpassing 1,000 yards in all four seasons he’s been in the league. A Harris acquisition may be in effect, but keep in mind the other business Jones and the Cowboys have to attend to. McKenna added: “It would look strange for Jones to pay Harris when he hasn’t paid Micah Parsons, but things always look strange in Dallas.” There hasn’t been a lot of “strange” this offseason … but we should still “expect the unexpected” … I guess.
