In a surprising turn of events, the Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Steelers might be concocting a trade that could forever silence the whispers of an Ezekiel Elliott reunion in Dallas.
As the NFL offseason unfolds, the Cowboys’ strategy—or the apparent lack thereof—has been a hot topic among sports commentators and fans alike. With a void in the running back position and a passive approach from Jerry Jones, speculation has been rife.
Yet, a bold move could be on the horizon, one that involves Pittsburgh’s Najee Harris, potentially putting an end to the Cowboys’ running back dilemma.
A Look at Dallas Cowboys’ Conundrum
The Dallas Cowboys, known for their reliance on a robust run game, faced a significant setback with Tony Pollard’s exit to the Tennessee Titans. The offseason presented opportunities to snag top-tier running back talents like Derrick Henry, Joe Mixon, and others, yet Dallas remained eerily quiet.
Amidst this, the notion of bringing back Ezekiel Elliott, following a decent stint with the New England Patriots, has been floating around.
Elliott, though not the powerhouse he once was, could offer a temporary solution to Dallas’s running back shortage. However, the Cowboys seem to be exploring alternatives to falling back on familiar faces.
#DallasCowboys RB Deuce Vaughn working on his route running & his hands.
Dallas could get the most out of Deuce if they’re able to feature him more as a pass catching threat out of the backfield.
(🎥: goldfeet_ta on IG) pic.twitter.com/qVYgyBa6O1
— Tony Catalina (@Tony_Catalina) April 1, 2024
Pittsburgh Steelers’ Offer on the Table for Najee Harris
The Pittsburgh Steelers appear as a promising partner for Dallas in this trade equation. Najee Harris, a former first-round pick, is in the final year of his rookie contract. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, the presence of Jaylen Warren has made Harris’s role in Pittsburgh’s backfield somewhat uncertain.
This trade scenario presents a win-win: Dallas secures a formidable running back in Harris, while Pittsburgh can commit to Warren and possibly benefit from draft pick compensation.
Harris’s addition to the Cowboys could rejuvenate their ground game. With over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his three NFL seasons, Harris’s performance outshines the current options Dallas has at its disposal.
Moreover, his physical running style and ability to shoulder a heavy workload make him a more appealing option than a past-his-prime Elliott.
The Implications of the Trade
For Dallas, this trade could signify more than just filling a position gap; it could represent a strategic pivot toward a more dynamic and potent offense.
Harris’s capabilities as both a rusher and a pass-catcher provide the Cowboys with a versatile offensive weapon, potentially elevating the team’s performance in the upcoming season.
Meanwhile, for Pittsburgh, moving Harris could allow for a fresh approach in their backfield strategy, focusing on a committee approach that maximizes the talents of their remaining running backs.
As speculations turn into potential reality, this Cowboys-Steelers trade could be one of the most impactful moves of the offseason.
By addressing their running back conundrum with a player of Harris’s caliber, the Cowboys are signaling their intent to remain contenders in the fiercely competitive NFC East.
Meanwhile, the Steelers can leverage this opportunity to reshape their offensive backfield dynamics and strategy heading into the new season.
Source: Fansided
