Cowboys 'Bang for Buck' RB: Sign Patriots RB Damien Harris as Free Agent?
Despite fielding one of the best backfield tandems in the NFL last season, the Dallas Cowboys stable of running backs may have a different look in 2023.
With veteran rushers Ezekiel Elliott andTony Pollard facing uncertain futures in Big D, the Cowboys may look to the free agent market to keep the position stocked with experienced, versatile backs.
Among those expected to provide the best ‘bang for the buck’ is New England Patriots running back Damien Harris.
Harris’ dual-threat capabilities would immediately be welcomed by the Cowboys. The 26-year-old was drafted by the Patriots in the third round (87 overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft — 41 picks before Pollard was taken by Dallas. Throughout his four years in New England, Harris established himself as New England’s top option at the position. In 2021, he enjoyed his most productive season; rushing for 959 yards on 211 carries. The Alabama product finished second in the league with 15 rushing touchdowns while catching 19 passes for 139 yards.
Health and injury took their toll on the Alabama product in the final year of his rookie deal. Both hamstring and thigh injuries sidelined Harris for seven games last season. Still, in nine games, he ran for 462 yards and three touchdowns on 106 carries, while also catching 17 passes (on 23 targets) for 97 yards.
Despite some ball security issues early in his career, Harris has continuously improved his confidence and experience, running for both power and finesse. When given the space to maneuver, the Alabama product is capable of breaking for significant yardage. He can also be a factor when receiving out of the backfield, a trait which he exhibited during his days at Alabama. Harris' skill set, as well as his leadership and enthusiasm has made him a favorite among his teammates, as well as the New England fanbase.
If Harris’ limited stat sheet in 2022 negatively affects his market value, Dallas would be smart to inquire on the availability of his services.
Though Pollard was the Cowboys' leading rusher in 2022, logging 1,007 rushing yards on 193 carries and nine touchdowns, he appears headed for free agency — unless the team chooses to retain him via the franchise tag. He also provided solid contributions as a backfield receiver, notching 371 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 39 receptions. While Harris is unlikely to eclipse Pollard’s production, his previous showing proves that he could provide comparable numbers at a reduced rate.
Conversely, Elliott ran for 876 yards and 12 touchdowns on 231 carries; a solid complement to Dallas’ rushing attack. The Ohio State product while Elliott only recorded 17 receptions for 92 yards and no touchdowns. Though he is set to carry a $16.7 million price tag in 2023, the structuring of Elliott’s deal allows Dallas greater flexibility to cut ties with the star running back absorbing just north of $11.8 million in dead money if released before June 1, per OverTheCap.com. If Dallas is unable to restructure Elliott’s deal, trading him may be looking more palatable than originally thought. Should they choose to do so, Harris could be the answer to the team’s need at running back.
In the final analysis, both Pollard and Elliott may end up remaining with the Cowboys. However, Harris may be an intriguing option for their backfield, should either or both continue their football journey outside Dallas in 2023.
Follow Mike D’Abate on Twitter @mdabateNFL.
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