The idea of Najee Harris being available for a trade might sound surprising, but the Pittsburgh Steelers’ decision not to extend his contract has opened up this possibility. Harris, who dazzled fans during his college career at Alabama, winning the prestigious Doak Walker Award, has had a mixed NFL journey. While his talent is undeniable, the Steelers seem poised to explore other options moving forward.
Dallas Cowboys Eyeing a Star Running Back
Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report proposed a trade that could bring Harris to Dallas, highlighting the Cowboys’ need to bolster their running back roster. The suggested trade sees Dallas receiving Harris in exchange for a conditional pick from Pittsburgh. Here’s a closer look at the proposed trade:
Dallas Cowboys Receive:
- RB Najee Harris
Pittsburgh Steelers Receive:
- 2025 Conditional Pick
Another comparable trade proposal suggests a slight variation:
Dallas Cowboys Receive:
- RB Najee Harris
Pittsburgh Steelers Receive:
- 2025 Fourth-Round Pick
Both trades reflect the urgency for Dallas to enhance their running game and for Pittsburgh to acquire assets for future rebuilding.
The Case for Dallas Cowboys
For the Dallas Cowboys, this trade represents a golden opportunity to strengthen their running back room. Harris brings a unique combination of power, agility, and receiving skills that could elevate the Cowboys’ offensive game. As the Cowboys are in win-now mode, parting with a mid-round pick seems a small price to pay for such a valuable addition.
Overcoming Potential Roadblocks
One of the key factors that could influence this trade is the stubbornness of Cowboys’ owner Jerry Jones. Convincing Jones to green-light this trade might require some persuasive tactics, especially considering his loyalty to players like Ezekiel Elliott. However, if Jones can be convinced that acquiring Harris aligns with the Cowboys’ immediate goals, this trade could very well happen.
Pittsburgh Steelers’ Perspective
From the Steelers’ standpoint, trading Harris makes sense if they are looking to rebuild and acquire future assets. With Harris’ contract nearing its end and the team’s reluctance to extend it, securing a conditional pick or a fourth-round pick provides valuable compensation. Moreover, Pittsburgh’s history of consistently winning games means they are always looking for ways to stay competitive, and acquiring draft capital is a strategic move.
Running Najee Harris into the Ground?
There is speculation that the Steelers might opt to maximize Harris’ usage this season before letting him go. Given Harris’ history of playing all four years at Alabama, he might have less wear and tear than other running backs entering their fourth NFL season. If the Steelers can extract maximum value from Harris this season and still get something in return through a trade, it would be a win-win situation.
A Trade Worth Pursuing
Ultimately, this potential trade between the Cowboys and Steelers seems beneficial for both parties. The compensation is fair, involving a future pick for a running back on an expiring contract. The cross-conference nature of the trade adds to its appeal, minimizing direct competition. The primary hurdles are the Steelers’ consistent desire to win and Jerry Jones’ control over the Cowboys’ decisions.
Trade Grade
In the grand scheme of NFL trades, this one stands out as a balanced and strategic move. It’s a straightforward deal with clear benefits for both teams. The question remains: “Are we going to do this trade or not?” The answer lies in the hands of the decision-makers in Dallas and Pittsburgh.
As the buzz around this potential trade continues, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Najee Harris will be donning the Cowboys’ star shortly.
