Up to Date On The Cowboys’ RB Plans
The Cowboys were often mentioned as choosing a running back rather early in the draft process. However, Dallas passed up several chances to bring in a rookie to the backfield, and Ezekiel Elliott’s reunion was set in stone the moment it happened.
Elliott responded to owner Jerry Jones’ remarks regarding his capacity to start at this stage of his career. Elliott was formerly the running back champion. Although Elliott is by far the Cowboys’ most seasoned back, head coach Mike McCarthy disclosed that a committee method will be employed in 2024 during the team’s rookie minicamp.
McCarthy expressed his opinion that Elliott’s return to his former position as a workhorse back wasn’t fair. “What are you trying to say? During the first few years of the game, the person carried the ball more than anyone else in football history. He won’t play that part; we’re a running back by committee. He will undoubtedly perform at the same caliber as when he was here. I’m expecting that. I observe no decline in his movement (source: Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News).
Dallas’s current running back options are elliott (who averaged a career-worst 3.5 yards per rush with the patriots last season), malik davis, rico dowdle, and free agent signing royce freeman. the team let tony pollard leave in free agency this offseason. however, as evp stephen jones mentioned, the team is still open to adding more backfield players. nathaniel peat, a back, was brought in as a member of the cowboys’ udfa class. dalvin cook, latavius murray, cam akers, and jerick mckinnon are the most experienced free agents on the list.
Cook – like Elliott – was named as a back interested in a Cowboys deal earlier this offseason. It remains to be seen if that feeling is mutual in Cook’s case, something which is especially a question mark with Elliott now in the fold. Dallas currently has only $3.86MM in cap space, so moves at the running back position or any other would need to be inexpensive.
McCarthy’s first season leading the offense was in 2023, when the Cowboys finished third in passing yards and first in scoring in the NFL. Though they finished in the middle of the pack (14th), the team still has a lot of space to grow this year. When Elliott returns to Dallas, he will undoubtedly play a big part, but it will be intriguing to watch how the other backs fit together in the upcoming months.
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