Following an offseason that began with high expectations for the Dallas Cowboys, the team's focus has now shifted to making strategic additions with the resources available.
The Cowboys are currently zeroing in on finalizing their 90-man roster as they gear up for training camp in late July. Among the potential new additions, the team has scheduled a 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, he also topped all UFL linebackers in tackles for loss (nine), passes defended (six), and forced fumbles (two). His impressive performance earned him one of the three coveted inside linebacker spots on the UFL's inaugural All-League team.
A Journey of Persistence
Willie Harvey Jr.'s journey to professional football has been anything but smooth. The linebacker went undrafted out of Iowa State in 2019, but he was picked up by the Cleveland Browns. Over time, he oscillated between the Browns' practice squad and active roster, 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 his limited opportunities, Harvey managed to make his mark on special teams, recording two tackles in his brief NFL career. His journey underscores his persistence and willingness to seize every opportunity that comes his way.
Dallas's History with Alternative League Talent
The Cowboys have a proven knack for finding 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. More recently, the Cowboys added kicker Brandon Aubrey from the USFL. Aubrey set the NFL record for the most consecutive made field goals to start a career (35) and tied for the second-most successful field goals in a single season without a miss (35). Additionally, he set the record for the most touchbacks on kickoffs in a single season (99), earning 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 wouldn't be surprising if Willie Harvey Jr. made a significant impact should the team decide to sign him. His UFL performance indicates that he has the potential to become a regular starter or provide valuable depth to the Cowboys’ linebacker corps. Harvey’s ability to make plays behind the line of scrimmage and defend passes suggests he could be a versatile asset for the Cowboys' defense.
Coach McCarthy's Perspective
Head Coach Mike McCarthy has consistently emphasized the team's commitment to improving the roster. "I think it's just kind of where we are," said McCarthy. "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."
McCarthy's remarks underscore the team's ethos of continuous improvement, indicative of their ambition to remain competitive. The potential addition of Willie Harvey Jr. aligns with this vision, reinforcing the Cowboys’ strategy of identifying and developing talent from diverse football backgrounds.
As the Dallas Cowboys prepare for training camp, the pursuit of Willie Harvey Jr. serves as a testament to their proactive approach to roster building. Whether he makes the final roster or not, Harvey's journey and performance in the UFL highlight the ever-evolving avenues through which the Cowboys are seeking to enhance their team. As fans and analysts keep a close eye on the Cowboys' offseason moves, the potential signing of Harvey could very well be a significant storyline in the weeks to come.