The Dallas Cowboys brought back franchise legend Ezekiel Elliott to improve their running back depth early in the offseason.
This was a big need for Dallas after letting Tony Pollard walk to the Tennessee Titans in NFL free agency. The Boys also decided not to add a running back in the 2024 NFL Draft. That surprised many.
In the AFC, the Pittsburgh Steelers made the surprising decision not to pick up the fifth-year option on running back Najee Harris' contract. The former first-round pick out of the University of Alabama will become a free agent after next season.
Naturally, rumors surfaced on the web that Dallas was interested in acquiring Harris in a trade with the Steelers. There is a demand. It has a good fit. With Pittsburgh's decision to decline Harris' option, it was natural for these rumors to surface.
About that?
NFL Network's Jane Slater relayed a message from a source within the Cowboys organization, calling these rumors “clickbait.”
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Dallas Cowboys running back situation and Najee Harris rumors
Dallas opposed re-signing Pollard during free agency. This is the clearest indication that owner Jerry Jones & Co. doesn't want to invest a lot of money into the position.
The Boys have to worry about extending quarterback Dak Prescott. He is also scheduled to become a free agent next March. The situation is not very good in that respect. Meanwhile, fellow stars Micah Parsons and CeeDee Lamb are slated for what will be market-setting extensions. It makes no sense to trade draft picks to make Harris one of the highest-paid running backs in the NFL.
For now, Elliott joins a running back group consisting of Rico Doodle, Deuce Vaughn, Royce Freeman and Malik Davis. It's not necessarily a good situation for head coach Mike McCarthy and others.
Elliott, 28, spent last season with the New England Patriots. The three-time Pro Bowler had 642 rushing yards at a clip of 3.5 yards per rush.
