Is this free agent the Cowboys perfect running back?

We will identify a running back that seems to have the perfect skill set that the Dallas Cowboys need to improve their running game.

There has been a lot of talk recently surrounding former Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray and whether or not a reunion between the two could possibly happen in the near future.

It has been reported that Murray is unhappy with his role within the Philadelphia Eagles organization and that there could possibly be a breakup between Murray in the Eagles this off-season. Whether that is through a trade or just an outright release is debatable.

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The thing that gets me is why does everyone believes that the Cowboys would want Murray back, especially if they had to eat some of that huge contract that the Eagles paid him last off-season?

Murray had one great season with the Cowboys, but he is entering that age where running backs start to wear down physically and to be completely honest I think there are better options out there.

If the Cowboys are indeed looking to add a veteran running back then I believe there is one that will become available in free agency that fits the Cowboys running scheme perfectly.

Former Miami Dolphins running back Lamar Miller will become available March 9 when free agency officially begins and I believe the Cowboys would be wise to do their best to make sure he’s wearing a star on his helmet in 2016.

Usually, I’m against signing veteran running backs because I believe that finding one to the draft is a much better and cheaper option, but in Miller’s case I am all for it.

Miller will be just 25 years old when the 2016 season begins and if you look at his career thus far in the NFL and even dating back to college, he has been underutilized in the running game.

I actually find this shocking because he has all the talent needed to become one of the top running backs in the league and I will even go as far as saying that if he does indeed become a Dallas Cowboy in 2016 he will be the NFL’s leading rusher.

At 5-10, 225 pounds Miller has the size of the Cowboys tend to look for in a running back and has a speed to be a home run hitter every time he touches the ball having run a 4.4 40 yard dash at the NFL scouting combine in 2012.

People may question whether or not Miller will be able to grind out the tough yards the way that Murray did, but I fully belief that Miller is just as capable if not more so.

Miller runs with a low center of gravity that allows him to convert in those short hundred situations. His stop start quickness allows them to make defenders miss when he is in traffic and oftentimes leads to breaking long runs.

Unlike Murray, Miller’s able to put his foot in the ground and get up to speed instantly whereas with Murray he had to build up speed to break away from defenders.

Miller is also a highly effective receiver out of the backfield, something that he has excelled with the Miami Dolphins. This particular skill set will allow him to become the future back for the Cowboys for years to come and allow them to move on from Darren McFadden once his contract is up at the end of 2016.

I know what you’re probably thinking. Why would the Cowboys spend money on a running back in free agency when Darren McFadden was so successful in 2015?

Well, Miller is far better suited to run in the Cowboys offensive scheme than McFadden is. The Cowboys had to alter the running game to accommodate McFadden strengths and hide his weaknesses, something they wouldn’t have to do with Miller.

I will go on record right now saying that I am against trying to bring DeMarco Murray back if he does indeed become available. I think the Cowboys are just fine as they are with Darren McFadden in the backfield for 2016 and the addition of Lamar Miller through free agency will give them their feature back for years to come.

Overall, I think that Lamar Miller and DeMarco Murray bring the same type of skill set to the table as a running back in the NFL, but I believe that Miller is the better option at this point.

Fortunately, because he has been underutilized throughout his career he doesn’t have the wear and tear on his body like other running backs do that will be available in free agency. He is also at the age where he is entering the prime of his career and that should alleviate any doubts that the Cowboys may have regarding whether or not he would be able to finish out any contract that they may offer.

I know that this is just my opinion, but Miller would be at the top of my list in regards to free agency because then the Cowboys won’t have to worry about the draft falling just right for them to find a young talented running back to groom for the future.

Take a look at Miller’s 2015 season highlights and decide for yourself if he is indeed the best option at running back for the Dallas Cowboys.

I would love to hear your thoughts and opinions in the comment section below about what you think about Lamar Miller or any other running back you believe is better suited to become the Dallas Cowboys featured rusher for years to come.

Next: The enigma of the Dallas Cowboys second round draft pick

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