Dallas Cowboys named in possible trade speculation

NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport mentions the Dallas Cowboys as a team possibly looking to make a move prior to Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline.

When it comes to blockbuster trades, the Dallas Cowboys have had their fair share. It was the trade of Cowboys running back Herschel Walker in October of 1989 that spurred Dallas’ Super Bowl resurgence in the early 1990’s. But trades involving wide receivers Joey Galloway and Roy Williams were also at the heart of the Cowboys mediocrity that followed those championships.

Essentially, making trades is a gamble. And at times, Cowboys owner and general manger Jerry Jones has been the biggest whale on the NFL’s metaphorical casino floor. But in the past few seasons, Jones and the Cowboys brass have been relatively quiet in this area. Opting to make smaller moves for unproven players over anything as splashy.

Yet, every season, there always seems to be some intrigue surrounding America’s Team as the trade deadline approaches. This year is no different.

According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the Cowboys could be willing to entertain offers for their leading rusher from last season, running back Darren McFadden.

"“Rapoport also said the Cowboys could be convinced to deal running back Darren McFadden should the right offer come along. That offer, though, would need to be significant,” wrote Around The NFL writer Connor Orr on the league’s official website. “Adding to the complications, McFadden is still on the non-football injury list after suffering a fractured elbow during the offseason. Would a contender needing a little security at the position take that risk?”"

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Once the fourth overall selection in the 2008 NFL Draft out of Arkansas, McFadden spent his first seven years with the Oakland Raiders. But various injuries limited his career as a Raider, and the speedster recorded just one 1,000+ yard season in Oakland.

Run DMC signed a two-year deal as a free agent with the Cowboys in 2015. Not only did the veteran play in all 16 games, but he rushed for 1,089 yards behind Dallas’ dominate offensive line. And despite the Cowboys drafting Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott in April (ironically, fourth overall as well), the veteran runner was still considered to be a big part of Dallas’ offense in 2016.

Unfortunately, McFadden broke his elbow in June and has been sidelined ever since. Although the now 29-year old running back claims to be fully healthy, there is a possibility the injury could have life-long effects.

Darren McFadden said he can't straighten his right arm all the way yet. Said it's "up in the air" if he'll ever be able to extend it all way
— Brandon George (@DMN_George) September 5, 2016

Regardless, McFadden likely still does have some real value in the trade market. Although injuries have plagued his eight-year career, he has been able to play in all 16 games for the past two seasons. And there are several teams that would likely see McFadden as an upgrade.

Dallas is simply overstocked at the running back position. Behind the league’s leading rusher in Elliott (prior to Week 8) sit former two-time Pro Bowler Alfred Morris, scat back Lance Dunbar and rookie Darius Jackson.

In the final year of his deal in Dallas, McFadden is scheduled to make $1.25 million this season with another $500K in per-game roster bonuses. That’s a bargain for a player who was a top-five rusher in the NFL last season.

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Some of the more obvious potential landing spots for McFadden include the Minnesota Vikings, the Denver Broncos, the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers. But will any of those teams pull the trigger? And what will the Cowboys ask for in return? The NFL trade deadline is Tuesday, November 1st at 3:00 p.m. CT. So we will not have to wait long to find out those answers.

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