Following an offseason that commenced with high expectations for the Dallas Cowboys, the franchise's approach has now shifted to making strategic additions with the resources available.
Currently, the Cowboys are focusing on finalizing their 90-man roster as they prepare for training camp in late July.
As part of their strategy, the team has scheduled a workout with St. Louis Battlehawks linebacker Willie Harvey Jr., a standout player in the United Football League (UFL).
Willie Harvey Jr.'s Impressive UFL Performance
Harvey emerged as one of the standout performers in the 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). Harvey’s 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 picked up by the Cleveland Browns. 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 limited opportunities, Harvey managed to make his mark on special teams, recording two tackles in his brief four-game NFL career.
Dallas's History with Alternative League Talent
The Cowboys have shown a 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.
Last season, 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). He tied for the second-most successful field goals in a single season without a miss (35) and set the record for the most touchbacks on kickoffs in a single season (99). Aubrey earned first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors in 2023.
The Potential Impact of Willie Harvey Jr.
Given this 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 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," 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."
As training camp approaches, the Cowboys remain committed to fine-tuning their roster, and the potential addition of Willie Harvey Jr. could be another strategic move to bolster the team for the upcoming season.