The Dallas Cowboys have one of the NFL’s best offenses, and with the team set to return all 11 starters in 2026, there is no reason why they shouldn’t be better this season. With a healthy Dak Prescott and two elite receivers, this has a chance to be among the best offenses in franchise history.
But for the offense to take the next step and become a unit that can win against any caliber of defense, they need to prove they can run the ball. Javonte Williams exceeded all expectations last season, and Dallas rewarded him with a new contract. But it still remains to be seen who will be his primary backup in 2026.
The expectation is that the Cowboys will give Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah every opportunity this offseason to win the RB2 job. Blue is coming off a very up-and-down rookie season where he was effectively benched for the second half of the season. Whereas Mafah did not see the field until Week 18.
If neither player steps up over the next three months, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Cowboys dive into the veteran market. And there is one player who almost makes too much sense: James Conner of the Arizona Cardinals.
The Dallas Cowboys could trade for James Conner before Week 1
In a recent article by Bradley Locker of Pro Football Focus, he wrote about 15 players who could be traded ahead of the 2026 NFL season. That list included Conner after the Cardinals signed Tyler Allegier to a contract in free agency and spent the No. 3 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Jeremiyah Love. Here is what Locker had to say about Conner and why he is likely available on the market:
“Conner played just three games last year before enduring a season-shortening ankle injury. Prior to that, he was elite from 2023-24 when he earned at least an 88.4 PFF rushing grade and totaled 31-plus explosive carries every season.”
Conner has always been one of the NFL’s best pass-blocking running backs, and that is just another reason why he makes sense in Dallas. Even if he’s not the most explosive running back in the league at this point in his career, he can still provide value on passing downs and give Williams a breather.
But the reason why he makes so much sense for Dallas is that there is a ton of familiarity here. The best season of Conner’s career came in 2024, when he totaled over 1,500 yards from scrimmage and scored nine touchdowns. Coincidentally, that was with Klayton Adams coaching the offensive line in Arizona.
Adams obviously knows Conner well from their time together and knows what kind of value he can bring to the offense, even in a reduced role. Conner’s age and injury history will make him a part-time player at this stage of his career, and that works for the Cowboys. They just need a reliable running back that can be trusted on all three downs.
The Cowboys would need to trade for Conner, but a late-round pick swap would likely complete the deal. This wouldn’t eliminate the role for Blue, but it would take some of the pressure away from him being a featured player in the offense.
If the Cowboys feel like Blue and/or Mafah aren’t ready to handle the RB2 duties, adding a player like Conner could prove to be the right move for Dallas. He’s a proven veteran who won’t cost a ton and can provide value in several ways.
Don’t be surprised if Dallas checks in on Conner given his relationship with the current coaching staff. A potential trade makes all the sense in the world.
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