The Landry Hat
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3 affordable running backs Cowboys can sign to replace Ezekiel Elliott

By Jerry Trotta

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 08: Damien Harris #37 of the New England Patriots runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on January 08, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 08: Damien Harris #37 of the New England Patriots runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on January 08, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images) /
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FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 02: Damien Harris #37 of the New England Patriots leaves the field after defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars 50-10 at Gillette Stadium on January 02, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 02: Damien Harris #37 of the New England Patriots leaves the field after defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars 50-10 at Gillette Stadium on January 02, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images) /

1. Damien Harris

Harris is all but done in New England after the Patriots (somewhat surprisingly) signed James Robinson to a two-year deal in free agency. Harris had already lost the starting job to Rhamondre Stevenson, and with 2022 draft picks Pierre Strong Jr. and Kevin Harris still on the roster, Harris is headed elsewhere.

Pro Football Focus projects Harris to get $3.25 million per year with $3.75 million guaranteed and $6.5 million total on his next contract.

That’s doable for the Cowboys.

Last year was a forgettable season for Harris, but he was a force to be reckoned with the previous campaign. In 15 games, Harris galloped for 929 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns on 4.6 yards per carry. His 15 scores trailed only Jonathan Taylor for the league lead.

For his career, Harris has averaged 4.7 yards per carry and 2.90 yards after contact per attempt, to go with 54 explosive runs (runs of 10 yards or more), and 66 missed tackles forced, 37 of which came during his breakout 2021.

If Dallas wants a bruiser between the tackles who’s hard to bring down near the goal line, Harris can fill that role in spades.

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