The Dallas Cowboys have been unusually quiet this offseason, even by that standard. LB Eric Kendricks had been talked about as the only outside free agent signing until Wednesday afternoon when the team signed veteran running back Royce Freeman to a one-year deal.
We take a look at Freeman and his body of work to see what the Cowboys get from the newest member of the backfield.
Measurable data and career statistics
- height: 5’11”
- weight: 238 pounds
- Years in NFL: 6 seasons
- Rush attempt: 471
- Rush yards: 1,792
- Rush average: 3.8
- Rush TD: Ten
- reception: 86
- Receiving yard: 532
- Receiving TD: 1
Freeman played college football at the University of Oregon and was an exceptional college player for the Ducks. His success has yet to translate into a sustained role in the NFL, with the former third-round pick of the Denver Broncos currently in his seventh season with his sixth team.
He was rarely used during his NFL career, totaling only 471 rushing attempts, which equates to 78.5 carries per season. He has never been the focal point of the attack and has played a complementary role wherever he has been.
The idea, or rather hope, is that the Cowboys add to the position with the draft at the end of the month, but as it stands, Freeman has the most experience on the roster. That probably says more about how the Cowboys handle the position than anything else, but the reality is that there is certainly a path for Freeman to make an impact with the Cowboys.
Freeman's strengths
- He's a big back who can do his best if given the chance.
- Considering his size, he was surprisingly able to break through the hole.
- He can pick up difficult yards and use his size to evade solo tackles.
- He has good visibility and a sense of blocking developments in front of him.
- As a veteran presence, a “professional professional,” he can come into the room and help the younger guys.
- You can use volume carry if necessary and it should be physically bearable.
Freeman's weakness
- He's not slow, but he's not the most elusive in open space either.
- You can't always use your size to your advantage and sometimes it can drag you down.
- He's going to be a hard worker and won't be able to make big plays often.
- He has gotten better, but his pass protection hasn't been consistent since his college days.
- Lack of real productivity or sustainability in his NFL career.
- He is not considered an RB1 by any organization and it would be a mistake to think he is here.
summary
In summary, Freeman wasn't the most crowd-pleasing signing for the Cowboys. It's not going to knock his socks off, but the Cowboys might find something here that could help them this season, even if fans don't realize it right now.
He shouldn't be the team's No. 1 running back this year, and if he's part of some kind of rotation where other players are getting touches as well, that wouldn't be too much of a concern. Granted, the money will be minimal, and they'll be joined by veterans from previously winning franchises.
Freeman will come to camp to compete if he still has some juice left in him, as the team hopes he can help, but if not, they'll just let him go . No harm done, no foul play. We're in free agency right now.
