As the Dallas Cowboys gear up for the 2025 NFL season, a glaring uncertainty looms over their backfield. With Rico Dowdle departing in free agency, the Cowboys have pieced together a running back room that feels more like a gamble than a guarantee. New signings Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, alongside fifth-round draft pick Jaydon Blue, form an unproven trio that lacks the stability Dallas craves. But fear not, Cowboys Nation—Jerry Jones might be ready to make a blockbuster move to fix this.
According to Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox, Los Angeles Chargers running back Najee Harris, a former Pro Bowler and consistent 1,000-yard rusher, could be on the trade block as training camp approaches. Knox named Dallas as a prime destination for the ex-Pittsburgh Steelers star, who signed a one-year deal with the Chargers in free agency. Could Harris be the missing piece to ignite the Cowboys’ ground game?
“Teams in need of running back help would at least be wise to call about Harris’ availability,” Knox wrote. “While he was never a high-level starter with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he was a dependable high-volume back who topped 1,000 rushing yards in all four campaigns. Dallas should consider adding Harris as a high-floor option in its backfield.”
Harris, despite averaging 3.9 yards per carry during his Steelers tenure, brings a proven track record of durability and production. His ability to churn out 1,000-yard seasons like clockwork makes him an attractive option for a Cowboys team desperate for reliability. The current backfield duo of Williams and Sanders doesn’t exactly scream “game-changer,” and while rookie Jaydon Blue has upside, he’s far from a sure thing. Harris, on the other hand, offers a steady hand—a workhorse capable of carrying the load and complementing Dak Prescott’s passing attack.
The Chargers’ situation adds fuel to the trade speculation. Despite signing Harris, Los Angeles drafted Omarion Hampton in the first round and added undrafted rookie Raheim Sanders, creating a crowded backfield. This depth could make Harris expendable, especially on a short-term deal. For Jerry Jones, known for his bold moves, this presents a golden opportunity to land a proven veteran at a potentially reasonable cost.
A trade for Harris would signal Dallas’ intent to compete now, not later. His bruising running style could wear down defenses, opening up play-action opportunities for Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. Imagine a Cowboys offense with Harris anchoring the run game, keeping defenses honest and giving Mike McCarthy’s playbook the balance it needs to dominate.
Of course, prying Harris away from Los Angeles so soon after his signing seems ambitious, even for a dealmaker like Jones. The Chargers may hesitate to move a player of Harris’ caliber, especially if injuries strike their backfield. But if Dallas comes calling with the right offer, the prospect of Harris in a Cowboys uniform could become reality.
As training camp nears, all eyes are on Jerry Jones. Will he roll the dice on his current backfield, or will he make a splash for an elite 1,000-yard rusher like Najee Harris? One thing’s for sure: if Jones pulls the trigger, the Cowboys’ offense could become a force to be reckoned with in 2025. Stay tuned, Cowboys fans—this could be the move that changes everything.