Following an offseason that commenced with high expectations for the Dallas Cowboys, their approach has now shifted towards making strategic additions with the resources available. This transition is part of their broader strategy as they prepare for an intense upcoming season.
The Cowboys are currently focusing on finalizing their 90-man roster as they gear up for training camp, set to begin in late July. One notable move in this effort is their scheduled workout with St. Louis Battlehawks linebacker Willie Harvey Jr.
Willie Harvey Jr.'s Impressive UFL Performance
Harvey emerged as one of the standout performers in the United Football League (UFL). During the league's 10-game season, he led with an impressive 78 total tackles, establishing himself as a dominant defensive force.
Not only did Harvey top the league in tackles, but he also excelled in other defensive metrics. He led all UFL linebackers in tackles for loss (nine), passes defended (six), and forced fumbles (two). His outstanding performance earned him one of the three coveted inside linebacker spots on the UFL's inaugural All-League team.
A Journey of Persistence
Harvey's journey to professional football has been anything but smooth. The linebacker went undrafted out of Iowa State in 2019 but was later picked up by the Cleveland Browns. His time with the Browns saw him oscillate between the 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 limited opportunities, Harvey managed to make his mark 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 knack for finding talent in alternative leagues. In 2022, they signed KaVontae Turpin, a wide receiver and return man who earned MVP honors in the USFL. Turpin's impact was immediate, as he went on to earn Pro Bowl honors as a rookie.
Last season, the Cowboys added kicker Brandon Aubrey from the USFL. Aubrey set multiple records in his debut NFL season. He established the 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) and earned first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors in 2023.
The Potential Impact of Harvey
Given their track record of success with players from alternative leagues, it wouldn't be surprising if Willie Harvey Jr. made a significant impact should the Cowboys decide to sign him. His UFL performance suggests that he has the potential to become a regular starter or provide valuable depth to the team's linebacker corps.
Coach Mike McCarthy has consistently emphasized the team's commitment to improving the roster. "I think it's just kind of where we are," noted 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 statements reflect the Cowboys' ongoing pursuit of roster improvement and their willingness to explore all available avenues for talent acquisition. Harvey's potential addition is a testament to this strategy, and his performance during the scheduled workout could very well determine his future with the team.
As the Cowboys prepare for training camp, the team's focus remains on assembling a competitive roster capable of meeting the high expectations set at the beginning of the offseason. With the potential addition of Willie Harvey Jr., the Cowboys may find themselves adding yet another impactful player discovered through alternative leagues, reinforcing their reputation for unearthing hidden gems in the world of professional football.