The Dallas Cowboys: A Potential Move for a Quick Running Back
The Dallas Cowboys, a franchise with a rich history of success and high expectations, find themselves at a crucial crossroads. As the 2024 NFL season continues to unfold, speculation is swirling regarding the team’s next move. One of the most frequently discussed topics in Dallas is the possibility of the Cowboys making a daring move for a quick running back, especially considering their current running back situation.
The Cowboys have traditionally relied on a strong running game, dating back to the glory days of Emmitt Smith and the offensive line that became the stuff of legend in the 1990s. In recent years, the team has attempted to replicate this success with different strategies and personnel. However, with the ever-evolving nature of the NFL, it’s possible that the time has come for the Cowboys to shake up their backfield and acquire a new, dynamic force to complement their offense.
This article will dive into the factors that could lead the Cowboys to pursue a quick running back, the players they might target, and how such a move could impact the team’s chances in the NFC playoff race and beyond.
The Current State of the Cowboys’ Running Game
At the time of writing, the Cowboys’ running back group is led by Tony Pollard, who took over as the team’s featured back after the departure of Ezekiel Elliott. Pollard has shown flashes of brilliance, especially as a versatile weapon in both the running and passing games. However, while Pollard is a solid starter, he’s not necessarily the “daring” or “quick” back that some believe the Cowboys need to complement their offense.
Pollard is known for his burst and explosiveness, especially in the open field, but his effectiveness can sometimes be limited by the blocking in front of him. Additionally, Pollard’s lack of size can make him vulnerable to taking on the heavy workload that traditionally comes with being a team’s primary running back. With the season nearing its halfway point, the Cowboys may begin to consider whether a different type of running back—one with breakaway speed and elusiveness—could take their offense to the next level.
Another factor influencing this decision is the growing reliance on pass-heavy offenses in the modern NFL. As teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, and Buffalo Bills have demonstrated, a strong passing attack can often outweigh the need for a dominant ground game. However, the Cowboys’ offense has often struggled to balance the run and pass, particularly in the postseason, where the lack of a strong running presence has hindered their ability to control the clock and wear down opposing defenses.
In response, the Cowboys may look for a running back who can offer a more electrifying and diversified approach to the game—someone who can make plays in both the backfield and the receiving game. With that in mind, the pursuit of a quick running back might be exactly what the Cowboys need to make that leap.
Why a Quick Running Back?
So, why would the Cowboys specifically look for a “quick” running back? The answer lies in several key factors that align with the team’s current needs and the evolution of the NFL landscape.
- Speed and Breakaway Ability: In the current NFL, having a back who can explode into the open field and take advantage of smaller running lanes is more valuable than ever. Defenses are increasingly designed to stop the run by crowding the line of scrimmage and using speed to swarm ball carriers. A quick back can avoid tackles, cut on a dime, and take advantage of the smallest crease to make big plays. This type of dynamic playmaking would be especially valuable for the Cowboys’ offense, which often struggles to sustain drives with just power running.
- Passing Game Threat: Today’s running backs are expected to contribute in the passing game, not just as blockers or receivers on checkdowns, but as true weapons in the screen game and on routes out of the backfield. A back with speed can quickly turn a short pass into a long gain, giving quarterback Dak Prescott another reliable option. The ability to stretch the field and force defenses to account for a quick back as a pass-catching threat would add another dimension to the Cowboys’ offense.
- Balancing the Offense: With a potent passing attack that features weapons like wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and tight end Jake Ferguson, the Cowboys need a running back who can take advantage of lighter boxes when defenses are focused on stopping the pass. A fast, elusive back could exploit those moments and give the offense the balance it needs to stay unpredictable.
- Big-Play Potential: In the playoffs, where every game is crucial, explosive plays can often be the difference between advancing and going home. A quick running back with the ability to break long runs or generate chunk plays through the air could provide the Cowboys with the game-changing plays they need to win big games, especially against tough NFC opponents like the Philadelphia Eagles or San Francisco 49ers.
Potential Running Back Targets
Given the Cowboys’ need for speed and explosiveness, several players across the league could make sense as targets in a potential trade or free-agent signing. While the trade market can often be unpredictable and hard to navigate, here are a few potential candidates who could fit the bill for Dallas.
1. Jahmyr Gibbs (Detroit Lions)
Jahmyr Gibbs, a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has shown flashes of elite speed and playmaking ability in his first season with the Lions. A dynamic dual-threat back, Gibbs is known for his quick acceleration, vision, and ability to make defenders miss in the open field. He has also been an asset as a receiver out of the backfield. While Gibbs is still developing, his skill set is tailor-made for a Cowboys offense that thrives on versatility. If the Lions were willing to part with Gibbs to make room for a more traditional back, the Cowboys could jump at the opportunity.
2. D’Andre Swift (Philadelphia Eagles)
Though the Eagles have a stacked backfield, D’Andre Swift’s potential as a quick, explosive runner could make him an intriguing option for Dallas. Swift, who was traded to Philadelphia from Detroit, has shown significant improvement in his ability to break long runs and contribute in the passing game. While he’s in a crowded backfield in Philadelphia, the Cowboys could look to acquire Swift to add another weapon to their offense. A trade within the NFC East might be unlikely, but Swift’s talent would be tough to ignore if the Eagles are willing to listen to offers.
3. Kenneth Gainwell (Philadelphia Eagles)
If the Cowboys wanted to target someone with a more affordable contract, Kenneth Gainwell could be a reasonable option. Gainwell is a quick, agile back who has shown an ability to contribute both on the ground and in the passing game. Though he may not have the same star power as other backs, Gainwell’s ability to make defenders miss and turn short runs into bigger gains makes him a solid candidate for a team in need of a quick running back.
4. Kareem Hunt (Free Agent)
Currently a free agent, Kareem Hunt remains one of the more intriguing names available in the running back market. A proven NFL starter with excellent speed and the ability to break tackles, Hunt has the skills to be an immediate contributor in any offense. While he may not be the long-term answer at running back, Hunt could provide the Cowboys with a dynamic change-of-pace back who could make an immediate impact down the stretch of the season and in the playoffs.
5. Javonte Williams (Denver Broncos)
While there may be concerns regarding his recovery from a major knee injury, Javonte Williams’s combination of size and speed could make him an enticing option for the Cowboys. If Williams proves he’s back to full health, his explosive running style would provide Dallas with a dynamic playmaker capable of taking over games. The Broncos are in rebuilding mode, and if they are willing to entertain trade offers, Williams could be a difference-maker for Dallas.
How a Quick Running Back Could Impact the Cowboys’ Offense
Adding a quick running back to the Cowboys’ offense could unlock several advantages that might propel them to new heights.
- A More Balanced Attack: A dynamic, quick running back would give the Cowboys the ability to mix up their play-calling and keep defenses on their toes. If defenses are forced to account for both a potent passing attack and a running back who can break a big play at any time, it would make it much harder to defend the Cowboys’ offense.
- More Time of Possession: By incorporating a running back who can gain chunk yards on the ground, the Cowboys could control the clock more effectively. This would help keep opposing offenses off the field, especially in close games where controlling the tempo is key.
- Playoff Success: The NFL postseason often comes down to who can execute in critical moments. Having a quick, elusive running back who can contribute in the passing game would give the Cowboys another weapon to utilize in high-pressure situations. Whether it’s a game-winning drive or a crucial third-and-short, a speedy back could be the difference-maker.
