It wouldn't be a Dallas Cowboys offseason without a plethora of questions remaining after the first wave of free agency. While defense remains a concern, Jerry Jones has done a solid job maintaining his star offense, including starting running back Javonte Williams.
Williams was one of Dallas’ first offseason moves, and for good reason, re-signing him to a three-year, $24 million deal. He delivered the bully-ball identity the Cowboys sorely lacked in 2024. But with little proven depth behind him, Jones could look to make a low-risk addition like free agent Austin Ekeler.
Ekeler is a dual-threat running back who can impact the game as both a runner and receiver, making him an ideal complement to Williams’ more one-dimensional rushing profile. There may be some hesitation about Jones making a move here, but the case for adding him outweighs the reasons to stand pat.
The Dallas Cowboys could take a one-year flier on veteran RB Austin Ekeler
In 2022, Ekeler established himself as one of the premier three-down backs in the NFL, setting career highs in multiple categories with 915 rushing yards, 107 receptions, 722 receiving yards, and 18 total touchdowns (led the NFL that year). Since then, injuries have set him back, and his most recent injury is by far the most concerning.
Ekeler's 2025 season ended prematurely when he tore his Achilles tendon in Week 2. That's a really tough injury to bounce back from at 30 years old. But Ekeler is in the weight room as much as any player in the league. He may not return with the same burst or cutting ability, but his receiving chops still give him a clear path to contributing as a complementary back.
The Cowboys’ RB depth isn’t a weakness, but it’s unproven behind Williams. Jaydon Blue, Phil Mafah, and Malik Davis fill out the room, and Brian Schottenheimer likes what he sees from the young backs. That points to a long-term approach, but if Dallas wants results now, Ekeler is an obvious answer.
As the roster stands, Blue appears to be the frontrunner for RB2, but questions remain after his limited usage last season. Cowboys fans can only hope he builds on the momentum from Week 18 against the Giants, when he rushed for 64 yards and a touchdown.
It may not be the most glamorous signing, but a veteran dual-threat like Ekeler at his market value ($2.6 million) is intriguing, assuming he's healthy enough to suit up for 2026.