The Dallas Cowboys' offseason, which began with elevated aspirations, has taken a more strategic turn recently. With training camp looming in late July, the Cowboys are focused on finalizing their 90-man roster, ensuring they have the depth and talent necessary for the upcoming season. In line with this effort, the team has scheduled a workout with St. Louis Battlehawks linebacker Willie Harvey Jr.
Willie Harvey Jr.'s Impressive UFL Performance
Willie Harvey Jr. stood out as one of the premier players in the United Football League (UFL). Over the 10-game season, Harvey amassed 78 total tackles, the most in the league. His dominance didn’t end there; he led all UFL linebackers in tackles for loss (nine), passes defended (six), and forced fumbles (two).
This exceptional performance earned Harvey one of the three coveted inside linebacker spots on the UFL's inaugural All-League team. His accolades in the UFL have garnered significant attention as he aims to transition back into the NFL.
A Journey of Persistence
Harvey's journey to professional football has been marked by perseverance and resilience. After going undrafted out of Iowa State in 2019, he was signed by the Cleveland Browns. Throughout his tenure with the Browns, he oscillated between the practice squad and active roster, ultimately appearing in four NFL games.
His last NFL appearance came during the 2021 season, where he recorded a tackle in Cleveland's Week 17 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Though opportunities were limited, Harvey still left his mark on special teams, registering two tackles over his four-game NFL career.
Dallas's History with Alternative League Talent
The Cowboys have a noted history of discovering gems in alternative leagues, and their track record speaks for itself. In 2022, they signed wide receiver and return specialist KaVontae Turpin from the USFL. Turpin not only earned MVP honors in the USFL but also went on to make the Pro Bowl as a rookie with the Cowboys.
Moreover, last season, the Cowboys added kicker Brandon Aubrey from the USFL. Aubrey's contributions were nothing short of historic. He set an 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, Aubrey set the record for the most touchbacks on kickoffs in a single season (99), earning himself first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors in 2023.
The Potential Impact of Harvey
Given the Cowboys' previous success with players from alternative leagues, it would not be surprising if Willie Harvey Jr. made a significant impact should the team decide to sign him. His stellar UFL performance indicates that he has the potential to become a regular starter or at the very least, provide valuable depth to the Cowboys’ linebacker corps.
Coach McCarthy's Perspective
Head Coach Mike McCarthy has consistently highlighted the team's unwavering commitment to improving the roster. “I think it's just kind of where we are,” McCarthy stated. “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 commitment to roster improvement and the Cowboys' history of finding successes in alternative leagues suggest that Harvey could be a promising addition. Should the team decide to sign the linebacker, it's fair to anticipate that he will seize the opportunity to showcase his skills, much like those who came before him.
As the Cowboys gear up for another intense training camp, all eyes will be on Willie Harvey Jr. and other potential additions who could make a difference in the forthcoming NFL season.