It's hard not to feel better about the Dallas Cowboys' running back room after Saturday's undressing of the Arizona Cardinals.
Malik Davis, Jaydon Blue, Israel Abanikanda, and even Phil Mafah on his lone touch all looked really good. But the notion that the Cowboys are suddenly set at the position feels a little too prisoner-of-the-moment for our liking.
The front office should jump at any opportunity to improve the room, and the Cardinals just handed Dallas one by surprisingly waiving Trey Benson.
Adding him would undoubtedly ruffle some feathers, but that shouldn't stop the Cowboys from making a move that improves the roster. They'd need a bit of luck to land Benson off waivers, but it'd be surprising if they didn't put in a claim.
The Cowboys did homework on Trey Benson before 2024 draft
Following Tony Pollard's departure in 2024 free agency, the Cowboys did extensive homework on the incoming running back class. You may remember Jerry Jones' infatuation with Texas standout Jonathon Brooks, but Benson was also on Dallas' radar.
Benson had a 30-visit with the Cowboys before the 2024 draft. The Cardinals selected him at pick No. 66, just seven picks before Dallas drafted Cooper Beebe.
Beebe is one of the best young centers in the game, so the pick turned out great for Dallas. However, given how open Jones was about wanting a running back, you can't help but wonder whether Benson would've been the pick at No. 73 had he still been available.
The point is that the Cowboys are familiar with Benson.
Injuries have stunted his development, which prompted Arizona to sign Tyler Allgeier in free agency before selecting Notre Dame sensation Jeremiyah Love this past April. James Conner is still on the roster, so the writing was on the wall for Benson.
A knee injury that ended his 2025 season prematurely is still giving him problems. He's played just 17 games in two years, but has been efficient when healthy, rushing 92 times for 451 yards (4.9 YPC), while averaging 3.41 yards after contact per attempt.
Trey Benson's skill set is exactly what the Cowboys need
Benson's skill set is exactly what Dallas wants behind Javonte Williams. His 4.39 speed shows up when he reaches the second level. He's capable of shedding tacklers, but his short-area quickness and cutting ability are what stand out and make him difficult to bring down.
The former Florida State star is also comfortable catching passes out of the backfield. He's essentially as explosive as Jaydon Blue, who ran a 4.38 40-yard dash before the 2025 draft, and he brings a lot more physicality and toughness to the table.
Blue certainly won't be thrilled if the Cowboys sign Benson. He just played the game of his life on Saturday and looked like someone who can contribute to the RB room.
At the same time, Blue doesn't have much of a leg to stand on. He had all summer to separate himself from Malik Davis, Phil Mafah, and Israel Abanikanda, and he never did. Saturday was an encouraging step, but it was still just one step.
If anyone, Davis should be the most bothered if Dallas signs Benson. He's been the most consistent back in the RB2 battle.
But again, none of that should stop the front office. From a pure talent standpoint, Benson is a cut above every Cowboys running back not named Javonte Williams.
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