FRISCO - Najee Smith to the Dallas Cowboys ... again?
This is The Rumor that Will Not Die.
Even before Dallas said goodbye to running backs Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott, rumors suggest the team might pursue Steelers’ former first-round pick Najee Harris in free agency, often calling him a "perfect'' match in Dallas.
At that time, our Cowboys insider Mike Fisher had a firm reaction.
"My first response to these sort of hyperbolic reports is that there is no 'perfect' signing,'' Fish says. "Lawrence Taylor wouldn't be 'perfect.' Michael Jordan wouldn't be 'perfect.' And Najee Harris isn't LT or MJ.
"Najee (is 28). That's not 'perfect.' He's sort of a plodder, rather than being explosive. That's not 'perfect.' And the Cowboys will need to ask themselves this: 'If Najee is so 'perfect' in 2025 free agency, amid speculation he might get $10 million a year ... why did his own Steelers team decline a fifth-year option on his for 2025 at $6.3 million?
"If Najee is so 'perfect,' why didn't the Steelers do that deal?''
Now fast-forward to a time when we are weeks away from training camp.
The Cowboys had a chance to sign Harris, who offered up a strong 2024 campaign, helping Pittsburgh secure a playoff berth while contending for the AFC North crown; he's a perennial 1,000-yard guy, no doubt.
But Dallas passed here, opting instead to sign Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders while drafting Jaydon Blue.
But here we go again ...
Bleacher Report wants Dallas to trade for Najee!
"Teams in need of running back help would at least be wise to call about Harris' availability," B/R 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."
We're lost. Let's go back to Fish, who reflect on this new attempt to connect Najee to Dallas ...
"Najee Harris signed a one-year $5.25 million contract with the Los Angeles Chargers, who I assume are happy with that as they work him in combo with rookie Omarion Hampton,'' Fish says. "It's a month before camp; why are they giving up on Najee now? What happened in L.A.? What changed?
"And in Dallas? Again, the Cowboys didn't want to sign him for $5 mil when he was a free agent, but now they should both pay him and give up a pick for him? It defies logic.''
We think, Cowboys Nation, you can take that as a "no.''
