The Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Steelers are on completely different tracks heading into the 2025 season. But their main goal for next year is nearly the same. For Pittsburgh, adding Aaron Rodgers is a direct attempt to end their playoff-win drought, which stretches back to 2016.
For the Cowboys, the upcoming season offers a real shot at returning to the NFC Championship Game — and maybe even the Super Bowl. Still, both teams have a clear hole at running back, one that a proven, high-production veteran could fix.
Steelers, Cowboys Face Run Game Reset After Offseason Changes
Last season, both Dallas and Pittsburgh had underwhelming offenses for different reasons. An injury to Dak Prescott knocked the Cowboys off course, and they finished the year ranked 23rd in PFSN’s Offense+ metric.
For the Steelers, a midseason quarterback change and lack of strong weapons led to a 25th-place finish. But beyond their quarterback issues, both teams shared a bigger problem — the run game.
In Dallas, the team leaned too heavily on the ground game. Rico Dowdle ended up with 1,006 yards, but the Cowboys chose not to bring him back. Instead, they’re moving forward with veteran Javonte Williams and rookies Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah.
For Pittsburgh, things are even more uncertain. Najee Harris, who opened his career with four straight 1,000-yard seasons, is gone. The Steelers replaced him with Kenneth Gainwell and rookie Kaleb Johnson.
If either team is looking for a proven back who can step in right away, Harris — now with the Los Angeles Chargers — might be a trade target. Kristopher Knox from Bleacher Report laid it out in his list of trade candidates.
Najee Harris stiff arms 😲💪 pic.twitter.com/6IM8Dda1TO
— Football’s Greatest Moments (@FBGreatMoments) June 24, 2025
Harris is on a one-year, $5.25 million deal, so he could become expendable pretty quickly. Knox pointed out the signs were already there. Even though head coach Jim Harbaugh is focused on running the ball, drafting Omarion Hampton may have made the team’s plans clear.
“The Chargers also drafted Omarion Hampton with the No. 22 overall pick in April, and the North Carolina product might walk into an every-down role.” He then laid out the case for both teams.
On the Cowboys’ side, Knox said, “Dallas should consider adding Harris as a high-floor option in its backfield.” As for Pittsburgh, the writing is already on the wall.
“Pittsburgh signed Kenneth Gainwell, drafted Kaleb Johnson, and is preparing to give Jaylen Warren a bigger workload. However, it’s also admitted losing Harris will impact its backfield plan.”
Earlier this year, offensive coordinator Arthur Smith said, “Naj for four years, he was very durable, and that’s a lot of missing carries.”
And when it comes down to it, everything ties back to the man under center.
“Supporting Rodgers with a good ground game should be high on Pittsburgh’s to-do list. Bringing back Harris could help accomplish that.”
If either team wants to seriously compete in 2025, fixing the run game isn’t just a luxury –it’s a must.