Dallas Cowboys: Alfred Morris provides quality depth

Running back Alfred Morris could be the most offensively productive free agent the Dallas Cowboys have signed in years.

Who would’ve expected that the signing of free agent running back Alfred Morris by the Dallas Cowboys could be so controversial. This really does confirm that this team is now under construction by Stephen Jones. His method for improving the team has the familiar ring of an old boardroom catch phrase. The Cowboys seem to be constantly – throwing players against the wall to see if they stick.

Last off-season when DeMarco Murray left the Cowboys because joining the Philadelphia Eagles was his best chance to get a Super Bowl ring, the Cowboys signed Darren McFadden. McFadden eventually became our main back, but it started out with a running back by committee approach.

There were a lot of players involved in that committee: Joseph Randle, Lance Dunbar, McFadden, Robert Turbin, Rod Smith, Ryan Williams, Synjyn Days, Lache Seastrunk, Ben Malena and Christine Michael.

I think that was everyone and although some didn’t make the final 53-man roster, they were all with the Cowboys at some point. Stephen likes personnel and I don’t think you’ll hear head coach Jason Garrett complain either.

Garrett loves competition and believes in giving the best man a chance. That’s why we have many undrafted players on the team. Excess personnel also gives you options and options are good. We’re seeking depth at every position and hoping the best players stick.

We shouldn’t have to defend Morris’ signing. McFadden gave us more than anyone expected last season. At this time last year, if Cowboy Nation had to sign either Morris or McFadden, there’s no doubt Morris would have a larger lead than Donald Trump over former good luck charm, New Jersey governor Chris Christie.

Morris hasn’t had any major health or personal issues and he didn’t break the bank. His two year, $3.5 million dollar deal – with the potential to reach $5.5 million – is less than running back Lamar Miller‘s 2016 salary as a free agent with the Houston Texans. In regards to character, Morris has been a model citizen and hasn’t been disruptive in his locker room.

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People believe that quarterback Robert Griffin III could be a better player because he’s been humbled. Players that make the team and become starters after being drafted in the sixth round, usually start humble and focus on working hard. That’s true professionalism. I’ve never heard Morris claim to be the best, or one of the best, running backs in the league.

Being from Washington DC, my friends and family are mostly Redskins fans and they are genuinely upset to see Morris go. Even better, they’re upset that he’s with the Cowboys because they don’t want to face him twice a year.

If Morris’ signing upsets the Washington fanbase, then that’s another reason he should have the approval of Cowboy Nation. Morris is a running back that I trust will show up and carry the football on Sundays (and Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays).

Morris has started in every game of his career, 64 of 64 games and has 29 rushing touchdowns. During that same four year period, Lance Dunbar has played in 41 of 64 games with zero starts and zero touchdowns.

Did I forget to mention that Dunbar is still recovering from a torn ACL – ironically on a play where he should have “taken a knee”. Morris has potential to be the most offensively productive free agent we’ve had in a while. I don’t say this often, but that’s a great move by Stephen Jones.

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