The Dallas Cowboys have been relatively quiet during the first few days of free-agency. After not making a single move until day three, many hounded them for not attacking this intriguing running-back market.
The 2024 free agent running back class might be one of the best in years. With most now having found their new homes, teams like Dallas are looking to pick up what is left. The only real leftover name that has been linked to the Cowboys is ex-running back Ezekiel Elliott. Elliott, is the "ground and pound runner this offense is longing for, but a reunion wouldn't be in Dallas' best interests.
While we wouldn't turn our nose up at Elliot returning, there are other running backs available that would make a lot more sense than the two-time rushing champ. Here are some names that spring to mind in that regard.
3. Damien Harris
If saving money is really what "all-in" means to Jerry Jones, then Dallas's cheapest option to adding depth at running back is signing Damien Harris. Harris, now 27, is a quality bruiser and his disciplined running style is attractive. Though he did not play much in 2023, Harris can still come in and give the Cowboys good depth.
Harris's small sample-size over the least few years and his quiet stint in Buffalo make him fairly cheap at the moment, which Dallas will like.
The Cowboys love going after veteran backs to add depth. Guys like Ronald Jones and Darren McFadden -- if you want to think back even further -- were both brought in at fairly cheap rates to add depth. Dallas could go this route again by signing Harris. Regardless of how well Harris would perform for them, getting him at such a small price makes this a fair move.
2. J.K. Dobbins
Dobbins, 25, has the dreaded "injury-prone" tag following him. Dobbins has shown flashes to be a solid running back in his days but multiple season-ending injuries the last two seasons will scare teams away from doing business.
This scare can work in Dallas's favor, however, because Dobbins could now be signed to an extremely cheap deal. Dobbins's future contract will likely be in the $2 million per year range which mirrors his market value on Spotrac.
From a skills perspective, Dobbins can come in and give Dallas the type of running that they are looking for. He can bounce off wimpy tacklers and has a great one-cut-and-go running style. Dobbins is simply looking for an opportunity to prove that he can be "that guy" for a team. It seems like ex-Cowboys greats are also on board with this possible move.
He is still young and could mold into the runner he once showed signs of. A Dobbins-Dallas connection could work as Dobbins gets a chance to revive his career and Dallas adds starting-caliber talent at a considerably low price.
1. A.J. Dillon
The 28-year-old Dillon has played his entire career until this point with the Green Bay Packers, primarily as a handcuff to Aaron Jones.
Dillon was never a primetime back in Green Bay and for the games he did start, he was mostly inconsistent. Dillon totaled just 12 rushing touchdowns in his last two seasons, averaging under 4.0 yards per carry during that time. But for what is left in the pool of free agents, Dillon might be the one that makes the most sense.
Dillon, can be the Cowboys power back and would easily buy into Mike McCarthy's "chunk-play" type of preferred running scheme. This style of running is what Dallas is looking for going into 2024. Dillon also has above-average receiving ability, and superb ball-security to go along with being a strong blocker.
What makes this even more likely is that, Dillion's market value at $3.5 million. This price is just under the amount they were reportedly shy to pay Zack Moss, so Dallas might bend the purse strings. Dillon has been linked to Dallas more so than anyone mentioned so he is a name to follow in the coming days.
It seems like the Cowboys are not shopping in the exclusive isle anymore, but they're not shopping in the lost-and found isle, either. They are simply looking for a cheap contributor who can come in, add depth and produce at a fair level. Luckily for them, there are still a handful that can meet their needs.