Dallas Cowboys Predicted to Make Bold Trade for Speedy Running Back
As the NFL offseason continues to unfold, speculation surrounding potential trades and roster moves intensifies, particularly for high-profile teams like the Dallas Cowboys. With the 2025 NFL season on the horizon, the Cowboys are gearing up for another campaign with hopes of not only winning the NFC East but also advancing deep into the playoffs and possibly competing for a Super Bowl. However, despite their consistent playoff appearances in recent years, one area of the team that has raised questions is their running game. While the Cowboys have had talented backs in the past, the team’s offensive consistency has occasionally been hindered by the lack of a true game-breaking running back—a player who can take over a game with speed and elusiveness, providing an additional dimension to the offense.
Enter speculation: a bold trade for a speedy running back. Could the Dallas Cowboys be considering acquiring a dynamic playmaker to elevate their backfield for the 2025 season? The Cowboys’ front office is known for making calculated moves, and with their Super Bowl window still wide open, making a trade for a fast, explosive running back could be the perfect move to solidify their offensive attack.
The Current State of the Cowboys’ Running Back Room
As of now, the Cowboys’ running back room consists of some promising players, with Tony Pollard leading the charge. Pollard has shown flashes of brilliance over the past few seasons, with his ability to break big runs and his versatility as both a runner and receiver out of the backfield. Pollard’s speed and quickness make him a valuable asset in the Cowboys’ offense, but he’s also shown a tendency to wear down as the season progresses, as his frame is more suited for a complementary role rather than as a workhorse back. In 2024, Pollard is expected to continue to play a significant role in the Cowboys’ offense, especially with his big-play ability, but there’s still a need for a more consistent, explosive second option.
Behind Pollard, the Cowboys have a mix of depth players, including Malik Davis and Rico Dowdle, both of whom have shown flashes of potential. However, none of these players have the proven game-changing speed and agility that the Cowboys’ offense would benefit from. While Pollard can break off long runs and make defenders miss, having a second back who can complement his speed and provide an additional threat in the running game could be the missing piece to unlocking the full potential of the offense.
Furthermore, as the NFL evolves, teams are increasingly focusing on speed and versatility in their backfields. Running backs who can catch passes out of the backfield, break tackles, and hit the home run on any given play are becoming more and more valuable. The Cowboys, who have relied heavily on Dak Prescott’s arm and their strong receiving corps, could further diversify their attack with a speedy, explosive running back to complement their existing talent.
Why a Bold Trade for a Speedy Running Back Makes Sense
The idea of the Dallas Cowboys making a bold trade for a speedy running back may sound like a risky move, but it could prove to be the right decision given the current state of their roster and their championship aspirations. Let’s break down why this trade might make sense for the Cowboys and why a game-changing running back could be the missing link to pushing their offense to the next level.
- Adding Another Dimension to the Offense
The Cowboys’ offense, while potent, has at times been predictable, especially when their running game is inconsistent. In 2024, the team relied heavily on Dak Prescott and the receiving corps, with Pollard serving as the primary back. However, defenses have learned to key in on Pollard, and as a result, there were times during the season when the Cowboys’ offense struggled to find balance and create opportunities for explosive plays.
By acquiring a speedy, game-changing running back, the Cowboys could add another dimension to their offense. A fast, dynamic back would allow the team to better stretch the defense horizontally and vertically, forcing defensive coordinators to adjust their schemes to account for a dangerous runner. This would create more space for Prescott to operate, potentially opening up additional lanes for Pollard and the receivers.
Additionally, a speedy back can be a game-changer in the screen game, where defenders are forced to cover a faster, more elusive player out of the backfield. Having a second dynamic running back in the mix would force defenses to defend both Pollard and the new addition, making the Cowboys’ offense harder to predict and more difficult to stop.
- Playoff Success and Super Bowl Window
The Dallas Cowboys are a franchise with championship aspirations, and their window to contend for a Super Bowl is wide open. With a talented roster, including one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, a dynamic quarterback in Dak Prescott, and an elite receiving corps, the Cowboys are positioned to make a serious run at the Super Bowl in the coming years. However, in order to fully capitalize on this window, the team needs to ensure that their offense is balanced and capable of producing consistently against elite defenses.
While the Cowboys’ offense has the potential to dominate, they have often found themselves one-dimensional when their running game isn’t firing on all cylinders. Acquiring a speedy running back could make their offense more unpredictable, ensuring they have the tools to succeed in the postseason, where balance and versatility are crucial. A deep run into the playoffs requires the ability to sustain drives, move the chains, and create explosive plays. A dynamic back who can break off long runs or be a weapon in the passing game could be the key to unlocking the offense’s full potential in crucial games.
- A Dangerous Rushing Attack in the NFC East
The NFC East has long been one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL, and the 2025 season is expected to be no different. The Cowboys face tough competition from teams like the Philadelphia Eagles, who have a formidable offense, and the Washington Commanders, who have made significant strides in recent years. To compete in this division and make a serious playoff push, the Cowboys need to have a well-rounded offense capable of adapting to any situation.
A speedster in the backfield would allow the Cowboys to diversify their game plan, whether they’re up against a defense that excels at stopping the pass or one that struggles against the run. In a division with defensive-minded teams like the Eagles and Giants, having a dangerous, fast running back could be the difference between winning a close game or getting shut down.
- The Evolving Nature of the NFL Running Back Position
In recent years, the running back position has evolved, with an increased emphasis on speed, versatility, and the ability to catch passes out of the backfield. Teams are increasingly looking for running backs who can do more than just pound the ball between the tackles; they want players who can line up in the slot, run routes, and be legitimate threats in the passing game. This shift in the NFL’s approach to running backs means that the Cowboys should be looking for a player who can contribute in all aspects of the game, not just as a traditional running back.
The addition of a speedy back who can excel as both a runner and a receiver would provide Dak Prescott with a reliable outlet and an additional weapon in the passing game. With Pollard’s ability to catch passes, a new, fast running back could take on a similar role while also adding the speed element to stretch defenses horizontally. The Cowboys could look for a player who fits this mold—a versatile back who can thrive in both the running and passing games.
Potential Trade Targets for the Cowboys
While it’s still early in the offseason, there are a few running backs who could be potential trade targets for the Cowboys. Several teams are looking to move on from veteran players, and the Cowboys could capitalize on these opportunities. Some names that have been speculated as potential fits for Dallas include:
- Cam Akers (Los Angeles Rams): Akers, known for his speed and ability to break long runs, could be a great fit for the Cowboys’ offense. After a somewhat rocky start to his career in Los Angeles, Akers has shown flashes of brilliance and would provide the Cowboys with an immediate boost in the backfield.
- Kenneth Gainwell (Philadelphia Eagles): While it’s unlikely the Cowboys would make a trade with a division rival like the Eagles, Gainwell’s speed and versatility make him an intriguing option. As a complementary back in Philadelphia, Gainwell has proven that he can be a dangerous weapon in the passing game, and his ability to stretch the field would make him a perfect fit in Dallas.
- Jamaal Williams (Detroit Lions): Williams, who had a breakout season in Detroit, would add power and explosiveness to the Cowboys’ backfield. Known for his vision and ability to break tackles, Williams is a dynamic playmaker who can handle a heavy workload and provide Dallas with an all-around back.
- Zack Moss (Indianapolis Colts): Moss has shown he has the ability to contribute as both a runner and a receiver. His speed and toughness would complement Pollard well and give the Cowboys a balanced rushing attack.
Conclusion: A Bold Move for a Bright Future
As the Dallas Cowboys continue their quest for Super Bowl glory, making a bold move for a speedy running back could be the key to taking their offense to the next level. The addition of a dynamic, explosive back would not only give the Cowboys a more balanced attack but also help them contend with the best teams in the NFC and beyond. Whether it’s through a trade or another means, adding a playmaking running back could prove to be the missing piece in a Cowboys offense that is already loaded with talent.
