The Dallas Cowboys have been busy filling out their roster as they prepare for training camp in late July. They recently signed inside linebacker Willie Harvey Jr. from the St. Louis Battlehawks of the UFL. Harvey was a standout player in the spring league, leading in total tackles, tackles for loss, passes defended, and forced fumbles. He earned a spot on the UFL’s all-league team.
In addition to Harvey, the Cowboys also signed defensive back Gareon Conley, a former first-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. Conley most recently played for the UFL’s DC Defenders. Head coach Mike McCarthy has expressed his commitment to continually improving the team’s roster, emphasizing the need for depth and competition.
Harvey, who went undrafted out of Iowa State in 2019, has had limited NFL experience with the Cleveland Browns. He has played in four career NFL games, primarily on special teams. However, the Cowboys have had success with players from the spring leagues in the past. Wide receiver/return man KaVontae Turpin, signed from the USFL, made the Pro Bowl as a rookie, while kicker Brandon Aubrey set multiple records in his first season with the team.
Given the Cowboys’ history of success with spring league signings, there is optimism that Harvey could make a significant impact in the upcoming season. If he continues to impress, he may even earn a starting role in 2024. The Cowboys are known for giving opportunities to overlooked players and turning them into key contributors on the team. Harvey could be the next success story in Dallas.
