3 running backs Cowboys must target in 2024 NFL Draft after losing Tony Pollard

The Dallas Cowboys entered the free agency frenzy like they always do. While every other team makes big moves, the Cowboys never seem to get in the mix until days, even weeks later. While Dallas finally got into the mix with the signing of Eric Kendricks, the team has seen two key players from their offense go elsewhere. Tony Pollard was one of those big names as he heads back home to Tennessee on a 3-year deal.

With Pollard gone, the Cowboys now have a glaring need at running back. Some believed they would look at Derrick Henry, but he ended up in Baltimore. With Austin Ekeler now in Washington, Saquon Barkley in Philadelphia and Joe Mixon in Houston, the running back market is worryingly thin.

Dallas did flirt with former Colts standout Zack Moss, but he went to Cincinnati for $8 million on a two-year deal. That is cheap but Jerry and Stephen tried to be cheaper and it backfired. There have also been rumors about the team being interested in A.J. Dillon but there has been no movement there.

If the Joneses are not willing to give that kind of money to RB who was a backup for Jonathan Taylor, then they just might not be able to sign any running back in free agency that could start right away. Rico Dowdle is a free agent as well but there has been no indication Dallas is looking to bring him back. The Cowboys may very well have an entirely new backfield behind Dak Prescott.

Therefore their best shot at finding a replacement might be in the NFL Draft. The running back draft class for this year is not as deep as past years, but there are still some prospects who should go in the early rounds.

It might be a reach for the Cowboys to pick a running back at 24 when they could probably wait until the second or third round. However, when you have to replace a starter who contributed heavily over the past five years sometimes you have to take that risk.