Eagles decide not to sign former Cowboys RB JaQuan Hardy after workout

For a moment, it seemed like former Dallas Cowboys running back JaQuan Hardy was heading to the dark side by joining the Philadelphia Eagles. Hardy spent the 2021 season with the Cowboys, spending most of that time on the practice squad. Two weeks ago, he was cut in order to make roster space for free agent linebacker and Texas native Malik Jefferson.

Hardy was initially added to the Cowboys last offseason as an undrafted free agent out of Tiffin University. The 5’10” back was part of the active roster for three games with his most prolific outing coming from the team who showed interest in him this week. In the Week 18 matchup against Philly, he had a 22-yard touchdown and returned a kick for 15 yards. He ended the season with four carries for 29 yards with Dallas.

Apparently, that Week 18 matchup stood out to the Eagles, as the team decided to bring Hardy in for a workout on Monday morning and reportedly had “mutual interest” with the back.

Several reporters and media outlets even reported that Hardy was signing with Philly. Hours later, Heavy’s Matt Lombardo sent out this tweet saying the Eagles decided against signing the former Cowboy.

Recently cut Cowboys RB JaQuan Hardy ends up not signing with Eagles after a training camp workout

The Eagles were light on running back depth heading into camp, so the interest did make sense. Perhaps what garnered rumors about Philly signing the RB were the reports floating around from the Vikings camp. A reporter from the St. Paul Pioneer Press tweeted out that Hardy was signing with Philadelphia after Minnesota showed interest in him.

This does open the door for the Vikings, or anyone else short on running back talent, to pick up the back who is still looking for his next home. While some fans were upset to see Hardy cut, the reality is that Dallas has two strong backs on the roster as well as depth. The third-tier RB will likely be Rico Dowdle or recently signed fullback Ryan Nall.