Cowboys work out another UFL defender after signing league’s leading tackler, finding spring gems in the past

After the Dallas Cowboys’ inactive “all-in” offseason that turned into the spring of “do it with less” the team is searching for remaining free agents to fill the margins of its 90-man roster before training camp in late July. They have filled 88 of their 90 spots and are looking to fill the 89th spot this week.

Dallas has already bolstered its depth on defense with St. Louis Battlehawks inside linebacker Willie Harvey Jr., who signed a contract following a workout with the club, the team announced. In the same announcement, the Cowboys also noted that they have signed defensive back Gareon Conley, who was a 2017 first-round pick out of Ohio State and most recently played for the UFL’s DC Defenders. New Cowboys defensive passing game coordinator Paul Guenther worked with Conley in 2018 and 2019 as the Raiders’ defensive coordinator.

The Cowboys are now ready to sign another UFL defensive player this week, by NFL Media, Birmingham Stallions defensive end Jonathan Garvin, a 24-year-old player who helped the Stallions win their third consecutive league title. Garvin totaled 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and 19 total tackles in 10 games played this spring. His professional football career began in NFL when the Green Bay Packers selected him 242nd overall (seventh round) in 2020 NFL Draft. Garvin played three seasons (2020-2022) with the Packers, totaling 1.5 sacks, two passes defended and 32 combined tackles in 38 games played, including one start.

Meanwhile, Harvey led the UFL, the combined spring league created after the merger of the XFL and USFL, in total tackles with 78 during the league’s 10-game season. He also led all UFL linebackers in tackles for loss (nine), passes defended (six) and forced fumbles (two).

Harvey’s standout production led to him earning one of three inside linebacker spots on the UFL’s inaugural all-league team.

“I think that’s where we are. We’re never done,” coach Mike McCarthy said at the team’s organized activities in late May when asked about the Cowboys’ addition to his roster. “I actually just met with (vice president of player personnel) Will (McClay) for a while this morning. We have a lot of really good players to train and prepare for. We were 88 at this time last year.”

Harvey was an undrafted free agent out of Iowa State in 2019 when the Cleveland Browns signed him five years ago. He fluctuated between the Browns’ practice squad and active roster, playing in four careers. NFL Games in so many years. He played for the last time NFL football during the 2021 season, stepping up and recording a tackle in Cleveland’s 26-14 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17. Harvey has two career tackles in those four games in which he only took the field on special teams.

Perhaps he, Conley and/or potentially Garvin could be a diamond in the hard-fought success story, like each of the players the Cowboys have signed out of a spring football league over the past two years. In 2022, Dallas signed USFL MVP wide receiver/returner KaVontae Turpin, and he repaid their faith by earning Pro Bowl honors as a returner as a rookie.

Last season, the Cowboys signed kicker Brandon Aubrey from the USFL, and he produced a historic season. Aubrey broke the NFL record for most consecutive goals to start a career (35), and finished tied for second with former Vikings kicker Gary Anderson for the second most goals in a single unbeaten season in league history (35), only two tying the all-time record of 37 set by Indianapolis Colts kicker Mike Vanderjagt in 2003. Aubrey also drilled 99 touchbacks on kickoffs, which is now the NFL’s all-time single-season record. Naturally, Aubrey earned first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors in 2023.

Based on Dallas’ history with spring league signings, it wouldn’t be shocking if Harvey ends up becoming a regular starter, at least in 2024, should he make the team.