Following an offseason that began with high expectations, the Dallas Cowboys have shifted their focus toward making strategic additions with the resources available.
The Cowboys are now concentrating on finalizing their 90-man roster as they prepare for training camp scheduled for late July. One strategic move includes a scheduled workout with St. Louis Battlehawks linebacker Willie Harvey Jr.
Willie Harvey Jr.'s Impressive UFL Performance
Harvey has emerged as one of the standout performers in the United Football League (UFL). Leading the league with 78 total tackles during its 10-game season, Harvey has made a strong case for his potential at the NFL level.
He also led all UFL linebackers in tackles for loss (nine), passes defended (six), and forced fumbles (two). These accomplishments earned Harvey one of the three coveted inside linebacker spots on the UFL's inaugural All-League team, highlighting his standout performance among his peers.
A Journey of Persistence
Harvey's path to professional football hasn't been smooth. The linebacker went undrafted out of Iowa State in 2019 but was later picked up by the Cleveland Browns. His tenure with the Browns saw him oscillate between the practice squad and the active roster, ultimately appearing in four NFL games.
His last NFL appearance came during the 2021 season when he recorded a tackle in Cleveland's Week 17 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite limited opportunities, Harvey managed to make an impact on special teams, recording two tackles in his four-game NFL career.
Dallas's History with Alternative League Talent
The Cowboys have shown a keen eye for talent in alternative leagues. In 2022, they signed KaVontae Turpin, a wide receiver and return man who had earned MVP honors in the USFL. Turpin went on to earn Pro Bowl honors as a rookie, marking a successful transition to the NFL.
Last season, the Cowboys added kicker Brandon Aubrey from the USFL. Aubrey set multiple NFL records, including the most consecutive made field goals to start a career (35) and tying for the second-most successful field goals in a single season without a miss (35). He also set the record for the most touchbacks on kickoffs in a single season (99). Aubrey's efforts earned him first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors in 2023.
The Potential Impact of Harvey
Given the Cowboys' track record of success with players from alternative leagues, it's feasible that Willie Harvey Jr. could make a significant impact should the team decide to sign him. His UFL performance suggests that he has the potential to become a regular starter or provide valuable depth to the Cowboys' roster.
Coach McCarthy's Perspective
Coach Mike McCarthy has consistently emphasized the team's commitment to improving the roster. "I think it's just kind of where we are," McCarthy said. "We're never done. I actually just met with (vice president of player personnel) Will (McClay) for quite some time this morning. We got plenty of really good players to practice and get ready. We were at 88 this time last year."
This commitment to continuous improvement underscores the Cowboys' diligent approach in shaping a competitive team. As they finalize their 90-man roster, the addition of Willie Harvey Jr., with his impressive UFL track record, could be another strategic move in their offseason plans.
As the Cowboys gear up for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on how these strategic additions, including the promising potential of Harvey, meld into a squad aiming to exceed expectations. The team’s history with alternative league talents certainly adds a layer of optimism to Harvey's potential signing, making the next few weeks critical as the Cowboys finalize their roster.