In recent years, the Dallas Cowboys have been one of the most consistent teams in the NFL, boasting a high-powered offense led by the electric Dak Prescott and a solid defense anchored by playmakers like Micah Parsons. However, for all of the Cowboys’ successes and a reputation as one of the most talented teams in the league, there remains a question that continues to plague their fanbase: what should the Cowboys do with their running back position moving into the 2025 season?
The Cowboys have had a variety of different faces in their backfield over the years, but despite some flashes of greatness, the position has not evolved into the dominant force it once was when they had iconic backs like Emmitt Smith. In this analysis, we will take a deep dive into the running back situation in Dallas and examine the reasons why the fanbase is so divided on how to approach this critical area in 2025.
The Running Back Dilemma: Why It’s Such a Hot Topic
Running back remains one of the most debated positions in the NFL, especially as the league has evolved. The running back market has drastically changed in recent seasons. Once regarded as a position that could define a team’s success, many franchises, including the Cowboys, have moved away from committing big contracts or heavy workloads to the running back position. This shift has raised important questions for the Cowboys about whether investing in a high-profile back is worthwhile in today’s NFL, or if they should go with a more committee-based approach.
Dallas’ running game has always been an integral part of their identity. Historically, the Cowboys have been known for their dominant offensive line and strong running game. From Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith to DeMarco Murray’s single-season rushing title in 2014, the Cowboys have relied on their running backs to set the tone offensively. However, in recent years, the Cowboys have struggled to maintain a consistent running game. This has been partly due to injuries, inconsistent offensive line play, and a lack of stability at the position.
In 2023, the Cowboys saw the emergence of Tony Pollard as their lead back after the departure of Ezekiel Elliott. Pollard’s playmaking ability, both as a rusher and a receiver, has shown flashes of brilliance. However, despite his talent, Pollard has not been able to carry the entire load as the team’s feature back. While his skill set is undeniable, Pollard’s struggles with durability and consistency in a bell-cow role have left Cowboys fans wondering: is he the long-term answer at running back, or does Dallas need to add another weapon to the backfield?
Tony Pollard’s Future in Dallas: The Highs and Lows
Tony Pollard has proven to be an explosive player with the ability to change a game with his speed, vision, and ability to catch passes out of the backfield. However, Pollard’s limitations are becoming more apparent as he is forced to take on a larger workload.
In 2023, Pollard showed he could be an effective runner, but the lack of a true workhorse back next to him has created challenges for the Cowboys. While Pollard excelled as a change-of-pace back and in a more situational role, being thrust into a 20-plus carry per game workload showed that his skill set was better suited to a backfield by committee approach. The physical demands of being the team’s primary rusher exposed some of Pollard’s weaknesses, particularly in short-yardage situations or when asked to grind out tough yards between the tackles.
Pollard’s ability as a receiving back is also a significant asset for the Cowboys. He presents mismatches as a pass-catcher, which can make him a threat in the open field and diversify the offense. However, the question remains: is Pollard truly the player to carry the Cowboys into a Super Bowl contention window, or is he better served as a complementary piece in a committee approach alongside another more powerful back?
The Zeke Debate: Should Dallas Bring Back Ezekiel Elliott?
For Cowboys fans, the elephant in the room is the potential return of Ezekiel Elliott to the team in 2025. The long-time face of the Cowboys’ running game, Elliott was a fixture in Dallas for years, racking up impressive rushing totals and becoming the focal point of the offense. However, after a decline in his performance over the past few seasons, the Cowboys parted ways with him, releasing him ahead of the 2023 season. His departure sparked a wave of mixed emotions among fans who had seen Elliott as the heart and soul of the franchise.
Despite his release, there are still some within the Cowboys’ fanbase who believe that Zeke can still offer something to the team. The argument for bringing back Elliott is based on his leadership, toughness, and ability to pick up tough yards in short-yardage situations. Zeke has always had a nose for the end zone and has excelled in goal-line situations. With Pollard’s lack of power running, having a bruising back like Elliott could balance out the Cowboys’ offense and add a reliable option in the red zone.
That said, the larger question surrounding Zeke is whether he still has the explosiveness that once made him one of the top running backs in the NFL. His decline in 2022 was evident, and many fans feel that the Cowboys should not look backward by bringing him back, but rather move forward with a fresh approach to the position.
The NFL’s Evolving Running Back Market: A Changing Landscape
One of the most significant factors in the running back debate for the Cowboys, and for many teams, is the changing market for running backs. In recent years, teams have been increasingly reluctant to hand out massive contracts to running backs, opting instead for a more flexible, committee-based approach. Running backs, unlike quarterbacks or wide receivers, have a relatively short shelf life in the NFL. Many teams now believe it’s better to draft or sign cheaper backs on rookie contracts or short-term deals rather than overpay for aging or injury-prone veterans.
For the Cowboys, this means the team will likely continue to take a more cautious approach to the running back position. While Pollard has the ability to be an explosive player, it’s unclear whether the Cowboys will be willing to commit to him as their long-term workhorse back, especially given the injury history and the long-term demands of the position.
In the 2024 draft, the Cowboys may look to add a running back early in the draft or explore other veteran options who could add depth and competition to the backfield. The team may decide to take a more cost-efficient route, looking for a back who can complement Pollard while avoiding the high price tag associated with elite running backs. This is a direction that many teams are currently trending in as the economics of the position continue to change.
The 2025 Backfield: What Could the Cowboys Do?
As we look ahead to 2025, Cowboys fans will likely continue to see a running back situation that is in flux. There are multiple possibilities that the team could explore to solidify the position.
- Addressing the Draft: The 2025 NFL Draft could be the Cowboys’ chance to find a new workhorse running back. With a deep pool of talented players entering the draft, Dallas could potentially land a dynamic prospect who could challenge Pollard for the starting job or complement him in a backfield committee. A first- or second-round pick could be used on a player who brings both size and speed, someone who can provide a balance to the Cowboys’ offense.
- Adding a Veteran: If the Cowboys decide that Pollard alone isn’t enough, they may look for a veteran back to pair with him. This could be a more powerful runner with a proven track record, someone like Jamaal Williams or a player on the open market who can serve as a power back and handle the load in short-yardage situations.
- Sticking With Pollard: The Cowboys could also decide to continue developing Pollard as their lead back and build the offense around his skill set. In this case, they may focus on improving the offensive line to give him more room to operate. The team could also add depth in the form of complementary backs who can offer different skill sets without relying too heavily on one player.
- A Committee Approach: Another option for the Cowboys is to stick with a running back committee, where Pollard shares the load with a few different backs. This strategy would allow the Cowboys to mitigate the wear and tear on Pollard’s body and give them multiple looks in the running game. It would also help them avoid putting all the pressure on one player to carry the load.
