The Dallas Cowboys made some changes at running back this offseason, but it remains to be seen if the franchise did enough for the team to be contenders in the NFC East. Heavy Sports has a potential trade proposal that could make sense for both the Cowboys and Los Angeles Chargers.
More on this in a moment, but here is a refresher on just how much the Cowboys running back room has changed in recent months. Former starter Rico Dowdle signed with the Carolina Panthers during NFL free agency.
This came months after Dallas released Ezekiel Elliott during the 2024 season after the reunion did not go quite as splendidly as planned. It is unclear who exactly will take over for Dowdle when Week 1 arrives.
The Cowboys signed a pair of veterans in Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams. Both of these vets are far from a guarantee to make the final roster as the running backs will need to earn a spot during training camp.
Additionally, Dallas drafted a pair of running backs on Day 3 in Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah. Can either of these players take hold of the Cowboys RB1 role?
Time will tell, but there is one veteran NFL running back who has plenty of experience at running back.
Cowboys Trade Pitch: Dallas Lands Chargers RB Najee Harris for a Future Day 3 Draft Pick
There is a strong case to be made for the Cowboys making a run at Chargers running back Najee Harris. The longtime Pittsburgh Steelers playmaker changed teams this offseason after posting four straight seasons topping 1,000 rushing yards.
Greg Roman on Najee Harris:
“I’m blown away… His knowledge, movement, ability—it’s exciting.” 👀💥
Looks like the Chargers might’ve unlocked something special. ⚡️ #BoltUp
The price would likely be right for the Cowboys to land Harris if the Chargers are willing to part ways with the veteran. Harris is on a one-year, $5.2 million contract. My estimation is Harris would not cost the Cowboys more than a future Day 3 draft pick.
Jim Harbaugh on if RB Omarion Hampton has caught up to Najee Harris: “Right now as my grandmother Marie Harbaugh would say, like peas in a pod. They are two peas in a pod.”
Why would the Chargers be willing to move on from Harris before ever playing a down in Los Angeles? The team selected former North Carolina standout Omarion Hampton in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft with the No. 22 overall pick.
Harris could end up being a one-year rental for the Chargers, and Los Angeles may prefer to get something in return for the playmaker now that Hampton is the future of the franchise.
The Cowboys Should Push to Strike a Trade for Former Steelers RB Najee Harris
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox has Harris among his top players potentially on the NFL trade block. Like Heavy Sports, Knox views the Cowboys as a potential landing spot for Harris as well.
“Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh loves to lead with the ground game, so there might be no such thing as having too much running back depth,” Knox wrote in a May 6, 2025, story titled, “2025 NFL Offseason Trade Block Big Board After NFL Draft.” “However, there is a scenario in which the Chargers could be willing to trade running back Najee Harris, whom they signed to a one-year, $5.25 million deal in free agency. The Chargers drafted their running back of the future when they took Omarion Hampton with the No. 22 overall pick.
“… The Dallas Cowboys could also be interested in Harris. They added former starters Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams in free agency before drafting Jaydon Blue in Round 5, but none of them are surefire starters. Adding Harris to that mix would be sensible.”
Harris would immediately be the Cowboys best running back on the roster. The veteran’s best season came during his lone Pro Bowl campaign in 2021 when Harris notched 307 carries for 1,200 yards and seven touchdowns.
Harris has also been remarkably durable at a position where wear and tear can impact availability. The running back has started all 17 games in four straight seasons. Harris posted 263 carries for 1,043 yards and six touchdowns in 2024.
