The offseason started with high expectations for the Dallas Cowboys. As they transition from building hype to strategizing, their focus has shifted to making key additions with the resources available. Now, the Cowboys are looking to finalize their 90-man roster to gear up for training camp, slated for late July.
Workout with Willie Harvey Jr.
The Cowboys have scheduled a workout with St. Louis Battlehawks linebacker Willie Harvey Jr., showing their continued interest in finding hidden gems in alternative leagues.
Willie Harvey Jr.'s Impressive UFL Performance
Harvey has been a standout performer in the United Football League (UFL). Throughout its 10-game season, he led the league with 78 total tackles. Additionally, he topped all UFL linebackers in several critical metrics, including tackles for loss (nine), passes defended (six), and forced fumbles (two). His stellar 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. He went undrafted out of Iowa State in 2019 but was picked up by the Cleveland Browns. His time with the Browns saw him oscillate between the practice squad and the active roster. During his stint, he appeared in four NFL games, with his last appearance coming in the 2021 season where he recorded a tackle in Cleveland's Week 17 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite limited opportunities, Harvey made an impression on special teams, recording two tackles in his brief 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 earned MVP honors in the USFL. Turpin proved to be a valuable asset, earning Pro Bowl honors as a rookie.
Last season, the Cowboys added kicker Brandon Aubrey from the USFL. Aubrey went on to set several records, including the NFL record for the most consecutive made field goals to start a career (35), and the second-most successful field goals in a single season without a miss (35). Additionally, Aubrey set the record for 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 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, at the very least, provide valuable depth to the team’s linebacker corps.
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 noted. "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 words underscore the Cowboys’ ongoing efforts to evaluate and enhance their roster. Adding a player of Harvey Jr.'s caliber, who has proven himself in the UFL, could be a strategic move in solidifying the team’s linebacker unit ahead of the new season.
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on the Cowboys to see if their investment in scouting talent from alternative leagues continues to pay dividends. If Harvey’s past performances are any indication, he could very well be the latest under-the-radar acquisition to make a meaningful impact on America’s Team.