Should the Dallas Cowboys trade for RB Ryan Mathews?

Following a rumor about the Dallas Cowboys being interested in a trade for Philadelphia Eagles running back Ryan Mathews, should the Cowboys make a deal with their divisional rival?

After the Dallas Cowboys secured former Washington Redskins running back Alfred Morris during free agency last month, many seemed to believe the Cowboys were solid at the position. Adding Morris to the Cowboys current depth chart, which already includes veteran running back Darren McFadden, appears to give Dallas a one-two punch that will excel behind Dallas’ dominate offensive line.

There is still some speculation however that the Cowboys could add an additional runner to the roster via the upcoming NFL Draft. Even possibly using the fourth overall pick to select Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott. But there is also the distinct possibility Dallas may not find a runner amidst this draft class. It happened last year in a draft that was loaded with talented running backs.

If the Cowboys leave this month’s draft empty-handed at running back, longtime football analyst Tony Pauline believes Dallas has a back-up plan. And his name is Ryan Mathews.

Pauline recently reported on WalterFootball.com that the Cowboys and the San Francisco 49ers would be interested in Philadelphia Eagles running back if he was made available via a trade. But would Philly actually trade Mathews within their division to Dallas, or to the Niners and ex-head coach Chip Kelly? I would think not.

Maybe the question we should be asking ourselves is whether the Cowboys would even want Mathews? As it stands now, Dallas has two outstanding veterans on their roster. McFadden is a former fourth overall pick who experienced a career resurgence with the Cowboys last season, rushing for over 1,000 yards despite starting in only 10 games.

And Morris is a two-time Pro Bowler with three 1,000+ yard rushing seasons under his belt although he’s only been in the league for four years. So, why add Mathews to mix?

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At age 28, Mathews still has plenty left in the tank. But he’s also approximately the same age as McFadden and Morris.

Mathews is a former first round selection (like McFadden), that was drafted out of Fresno State 12th overall by the San Diego Chargers back in 2010. But like also like McFadden, his career has been plagued by injuries.

Mathews missed a total of 20 games during his first five seasons in San Diego. He missed 10 of them in 2014, then promptly signed a three-year, $11 million deal with the Eagles as a free agent.

While Mathews has been in Philly, he’s been impressive. Outshining fellow free agent signee and former Cowbosy running back DeMarco Murray last season. Mathews rushed for 539 yards and scored six touchdowns in 2015. He started in six of the 13 games he played last year, including the last four games of the season. Mathews averaged a career-high 5.1 yards per carry.

If the Cowboys don’t draft a rookie in the draft, a trade for Mathews makes sense on a certainly level. His salary is manageable, with him making $3 million in 2016 and $4 million in 2017. And he played well last season in Philly. But Mathews’ injury history combined with his age likely makes him a no-go in Dallas.

The Cowboys already have two veteran backs on their depth chart. What this team needs is youth at the position. Not another hired gun.

Next: Cowboys 2016: Far too early regular season record prediction

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