New Cowboys linebacker Willie Harvey Jr. explains decision to sign two-year deal with Dallas

The Dallas Cowboys inked former UFL linebacker Willie Harvey Jr. to a two-year deal this week, kicking off his NFL comeback after two years away. Joining 105.3 FM the Fan this week, Harvey explained his decision to sign with Dallas over other NFL teams.

“Man, it was truly a blessing,” Harvey said of getting the call from the Cowboys. “Even with the XFL and USFL being here, I never had to move. I’ve always been at home, so getting the opportunity to play for [the Cowboys] was a no-brainer.”

Harvey originally signed with the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2019 out of Iowa State. He played four games in three seasons after going undrafted, however, the Browns waived him in August of 2022. The St. Louis BattleHawks then drafted him in November of that year.

The Cowboys are keeping Harvey around for 2024, as well as 2025, after he worked out for them last week. He’ll play on a $915,000 salary this season, which will go up to $1.03 million next year.

Besides location, the Cowboys’ hiring of former Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer and the team’s defensive scheme made Jerry Jones’ franchise even more appealing.

“They run a similar defense and I want the transition to be easy,” said Harvey. “I got along well with the guys, the coaches, and I have some camaraderie with special teams [coordinator John Fassel] and it was an easy decision.”

“It’s a linebacker-driven defense — keeping the linebackers free to make plays,” he added.

Harvey ready for second crack at NFL success

Harvey admitted this week that his first stint in the NFL and even his first season in the spring league weren’t his best work. After changing his mentality, the Cyclones standout is now coming off of his most productive season in the UFL.

“I’m honest with myself,” he said. “And I know I probably didn’t work as hard as I should have and put in the work. Getting a second chance in the spring league I was like, ‘Hey, I have another chance to perfect my craft at linebacker, and to get smarter, get faster and get stronger. That’s kind of what I did in my first year and I felt like that wasn’t enough, so I went back and did it again.”

Harvey finished the 2024 season in the UFL with 78 tackles and four sacks in 10 games. He led the league in tackles, quickly drawing the eyes of NFL scouts. The 28-year-old also led all linebackers in tackles for loss with nine, as well as passes defended (six) and forced fumbles (two). His production led to him landing a spot on the All-UFL Team.

Harvey will join a linebacker room with Micah Parsons, Eric Kendricks, Damone Clark and Markquese Bell, as well as younger additions like DeMarvion Overshown and Marist Liufau.