4 trades Cowboys can make with projected 2025 compensatory picks

1. Dameon Pierce

The Cowboys have to upgrade at running back, right? Signing Ezekiel Elliott was great for nostalgia and he undoubtedly improves the backfield, but let's not exaggerate the move. Elliott was one of the worst RBs in the league last year in terms of yards after contact and missed tackles forced.

Dameon Pierce is one of the best backs in the NFL in both departments. Pierce starred as a rookie two years ago with over 1,100 scrimmage yards, but he was a terrible fit in new Texans offensive coordinator Bob Slowik's outside zone scheme last season.

With Dallas striving to build a bullying rushing attack (perhaps a gap scheme), Pierce would be a seamless fit. Since being drafted in 2022, the former Florida Gator is fifth in missed tackles forced per attempt (0.24) and has forced 89 missed tackles, per Pro Football Focus.

Pierce's future with the Texans is muddy at best after the Texans traded for Joe Mixon and rewarded him with a three-year contract. They also drafted Louisville running back Jawhar Jordan in the sixth round. The Cowboys would be smart to offer Houston a day three pick for the out-of-favor RB.

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