With free agency just around the corner, the Dallas Cowboys will have to be prepared to spend a lot of money to avoid falsely claiming to be “all-in'' for next season.
One of the holes for Dallas will be tasked with filling the stands alongside quarterback Dak Prescott in the backfield this offseason. Running back Tony Pollard is set to become a free agent, meaning the Cowboys have a chance to acquire a back with a longer track record.
Josh Jacobs, Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry have all been mentioned as fun replacements for Dallas to pursue, but teams have become reluctant to pay veteran running backs in recent years. Could he pivot to the NFL Draft instead?
Mark Konesny-USA TODAY Sports
At the NFL Scouting Combine, the Cowboys are fueling sensational rumors about their plans for the running back position. There is currently no viable replacement on the roster, making the draft fertile ground for roster-ready running backs.
On Friday, it was revealed that Dallas had met with 10 running backs both officially and unofficially.according to nick harris, their four formal interviews were with Florida State's Trey Benson, Kentucky State's Ray Davis, Notre Dame's Audric Estim and Wisconsin's Braeron Allen. Notably, these backs are projected to go high in the draft.
If the Cowboys want to spend day two money on a running back, they probably have no shortage of options.
Benson is one of the best tackle breakers in college football, using his contact balance and agility to put incoming defensive backs through the roof. He may be rougher than other players in this class, but back-to-back 1,100-yard all-purpose yard seasons confirm his playmaking ability.
He seemed confident in his ability to play league games, especially in Frisco, during his media appearances.
“I feel like the Cowboys have the same plan as Florida State,” Benson said. “So I think it’s the perfect fit for me.”
If Dallas feels the same way, they could continue the Cowboys' tradition of star running backs.
Allen, on the other hand, boasts one of the best pedigrees of any horse in this class. He hasn't stopped running since he stepped on Wisconsin's campus, rushing for 3,494 yards and 35 touchdowns in three seasons.
His stock has dropped a bit this season, but for a team looking for a strong back in a gap-oriented offense (Dallas has taken some steps toward that), Allen remains the best bell cowback. I have a profile.
“It went really well,” Allen said of his encounter with the Cowboys. “It was a really good meeting because I enjoyed talking to them and I liked the whole staff. We broke down film and asked football IQ-type questions about the front line, pressures, different defenses, things like that.”
Estim may lack the hype of his peers, but he also has an exciting track record. He had his best season out of three.
Norback was better in 2023, near the top in the nation in yards after contact per attempt, according to Pro Football Focus. His combination of power and explosiveness could earn him playing time, but his potential as a pass protector could keep him on the field.
When talking about the Cowboys organization, he mentioned their energy, their football knowledge and how much he can learn from their offense.
Dallas may choose to combine a Day 3 running back with a low-cost free agent, but if they part with expensive veteran talent, the only way to get fans excited about the game on the field is to buy a talented It could be acquiring players.
