OXNARD, Calif. — At the start of training camp, the Dallas Cowboys have bolstered their roster by signing wide receivers Deontay Burnett and Kelvin Harmon following successful workouts on Saturday.
These signings provide essential depth at the wide receiver position due to CeeDee Lamb’s ongoing holdout and a minor injury to rookie Ryan Flournoy, which kept him in the rehab group during Friday’s practice.
Burnett hails from Southern California, born and raised in Compton. He attended USC before going undrafted in 2018. Throughout his NFL career, he has played for teams such as the Tennessee Titans, New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers, and Philadelphia Eagles. Over eight games, he has accumulated a total of 15 receptions for 210 yards.
After concluding his time with the Eagles in 2020, Burnett joined the Houston Roughnecks of the XFL in 2023 before transitioning to play for the Arlington Renegades of the UFL in 2024. In this past spring season with the Renegades, he recorded an impressive tally of 33 receptions for 306 yards and two touchdowns.
Kelvin Harmon was selected as a sixth-round pick by Washington Commanders in 2019 after playing at North Carolina State. Originally from Liberia, he moved to New Jersey during his childhood. Harmon spent three seasons with Washington prior to signing with Philadelphia Stars from USFL in 2023 and subsequently joining DC Defenders within UFL in 2024.
With a total of only **365 career receiving yards** so far within his professional journey through NFL**,** Harmon now ranks fourth among Cowboys wide receivers regarding career yardage.
The two new signings worked out on Saturday afternoon alongside wide receiver Terrell Bynum and quarterback Reid Sinnett; however**,** neither received contracts following their workout session.
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Cowboys Boost Roster with Signings of WRs Deontay Burnett and Kelvin Harmon Amid Training Camp Challenges
The Dallas Cowboys have made significant strides in bolstering their roster during this year’s training camp by signing wide receivers Deontay Burnett and Kelvin Harmon. These strategic additions come at a critical time as the team navigates various challenges ahead of the upcoming NFL season. This article delves into the implications of these signings, the backgrounds of the players involved, and what it means for the Cowboys as they prepare for competition.
Challenges Faced by the Cowboys at Training Camp
As the Cowboys enter training camp, they face several challenges that could impact their performance this season. Key issues include:
- Injury Concerns: The Cowboys have dealt with injuries to several key players, creating a pressing need for depth in the receiving corps.
- Competition for Spots: With various players vying for roster positions, the competition is fierce, making it essential for the Cowboys to enhance their lineup.
- Adapting to New Schemes: The coaching staff has implemented new offensive strategies, requiring players to quickly adapt and perform at a high level.
Introducing Deontay Burnett and Kelvin Harmon
With these challenges in mind, the Cowboys have turned to Deontay Burnett and Kelvin Harmon. Both players bring unique skills and experiences to the team.
Deontay Burnett
Deontay Burnett is a dynamic wide receiver known for his agility and playmaking ability. Here are some key highlights of his career:
- College Stats: Burnett played at USC where he totaled over 1,200 receiving yards.
- NFL Experience: He has spent time with multiple NFL teams, showcasing his ability to adapt and learn quickly.
- Strengths: Quick footwork, excellent route running, and reliable hands.
Kelvin Harmon
Kelvin Harmon is another promising addition to the Cowboys’ roster. Known for his physicality and catching ability, Harmon offers a different style compared to Burnett. Key points include:
- College Career: Harmon excelled at NC State, amassing over 2,600 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns.
- NFL Background: He has experience with the Washington Commanders and brings that knowledge to Dallas.
- Physical Attributes: Stands at 6’2″ and brings size and strength to the receiving group.
Impact of Signings on the Cowboys’ Roster
The signings of Burnett and Harmon are expected to have a significant impact on the Cowboys’ roster for several reasons:
- Increased Depth: Both players add much-needed depth to the wide receiver position, allowing the Cowboys to rotate players and manage workloads effectively.
- Enhanced Competition: The addition of new talent fosters competition among existing receivers, pushing them to elevate their performance during training camp.
- Versatility: Burnett and Harmon’s diverse skill sets allow the Cowboys to run varied offensive plays, making the team more unpredictable to opponents.
Statistical Overview of Burnett and Harmon
| Player | College | Career NFL Stats | Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deontay Burnett | USC | 1,200+ yards | Agility, Quickness, Route Running |
| Kelvin Harmon | NC State | 2,600+ yards | Physicality, Size, Catching Ability |
Benefits of the Signings
The Cowboys’ decision to sign Deontay Burnett and Kelvin Harmon presents numerous benefits:
- Improved Offensive Options: With additional weapons in the receiving game, the Cowboys can diversify their offensive playbook.
- Team Morale: Bringing in new talent can invigorate the existing roster, fostering a more competitive and motivated atmosphere.
- Long-Term Strategy: Investing in younger players like Burnett and Harmon aligns with the Cowboys’ long-term goals of building a sustainable and competitive team.
Practical Tips for Cowboys Fans
As the Cowboys’ training camp unfolds, fans can engage with the team and support their players by considering the following:
- Follow Training Camp Updates: Stay tuned to official team channels for the latest news and insights from training camp.
- Engage on Social Media: Interact with the team and players on social media platforms to show support and enthusiasm.
- Attend Preseason Games: Make an effort to attend preseason games to witness the new additions in action and support the team live.
First-Hand Experience: Insights from Training Camp
Insights from training camp suggest that both Burnett and Harmon have quickly made positive impressions on coaches and teammates:
- Quick Adaptation: Reports indicate that both players have adapted well to the team’s offensive scheme, demonstrating understanding and execution of plays.
- Building Chemistry: Their ability to build rapport with the quarterbacks has been highlighted as a vital factor moving forward.
- Positive Attitude: Coaches have praised their work ethic and eagerness to learn, which bodes well for their potential contributions.
Looking Ahead: The Cowboys’ Season Outlook
With the roster now bolstered by the signings of Deontay Burnett and Kelvin Harmon, the Cowboys are in a much stronger position heading into the 2023 NFL season. Their ability to adapt and overcome challenges during training camp will be key to their success.
As the Cowboys continue their preparations, monitoring how these new signings integrate into the team’s overall strategy will be crucial. Fans can remain optimistic that with the right adjustments, the Cowboys will be a formidable force come game day.
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