While fans are seeing headlines about bringing in free agents like Derrick Henry, I think back to the last free agent running back who signed elsewhere and went on to have as much success. It is said that Is there enough history to avoid free agency to fill that hole? Or is there already enough pressure and question marks on this team that having the guy who was there makes everyone sleep better at night? – Nate Mattison/Glens Falls, NY
Nick Eatman: The answer is both. The running back position needs a lot of help at the moment, so I imagine the Cowboys will definitely address the position in free agency. The type of player they acquire will ultimately impact their draft position. When you look at the rushing leaders each year, I think it's fair to assume that most of them are young players from their former teams. There are some exceptions like Christian McCaffrey, who was traded from the Panthers to the 49ers even though he wasn't a free agent. We saw Montgomery have some success in Detroit last year, but most of the time that doesn't happen. I still believe the Cowboys will send someone in free agency to put a Band-Aid on the position and try to hit a home run in the draft, but a home run can happen in any round of the draft at this position. . What I'm saying is that the Cowboys are definitely going to look to upgrade here, and the running back position is going to look a lot different in a few months.
cart: Last season, Detroit signed David Montgomery (1,015 yards) and Miami gained Raheem Mostert (1,012 yards), finishing ninth and 10th, respectively, in rushing yards. You can also throw Tony Pollard and Saquon Barkley in there. They were scheduled to become free agents before their franchise tag was stripped. Pollard was 12th (1,005 hits) and Barkley was 16th (962 hits). Therefore, free agent running backs can also be successful. Still, only three of last year's top 10 highest-paid running backs finished in the top 10 in rushing yards. Of the top 20 highest-paid employees, nine people were also ranked in the top 20 in the express category. In other words, the team can get productivity out of the position without spending a lot of money. Spotrac.com estimates Henry's market value at $10.3 million per season. I don't think the Cowboys should pay that kind of money for a 30-year-old running back when they need help in other areas. Instead, we expect them to address their position in the draft, likely on Day 2, and add depth with team-friendly contract options if needed. In his NFL today, it's simply better value to spend money elsewhere.
