What’s Next? Cowboys Are Again Unsettled at Running Back
The Dallas Cowboys are no strangers to running back dilemmas. The franchise has a storied history of superstar backs, from Emmitt Smith—the NFL’s all-time leading rusher—to Tony Dorsett and Ezekiel Elliott, each leaving an indelible mark on the franchise’s rich legacy. However, in recent seasons, the Cowboys have found themselves in a familiar position: unsettled at running back.
After the departure of Elliott, the team’s long-time feature back, the Cowboys have been left grappling with how to fill the void at one of the most important positions on the field. Although there is potential within the current running back room, the question remains: Who will take the reins, and can they return the Cowboys’ ground game to the level of past dominance? The answer is far from clear, and as the 2025 offseason unfolds, the Cowboys find themselves in need of direction.
In this article, we will dive into the current state of the Cowboys’ running back situation, review the candidates within the team, examine potential outside options, and discuss how Dallas might address this crucial position heading into the next season. With the team’s championship aspirations on the line, the uncertainty surrounding the running back position could significantly impact the team’s future success.
The Exit of Ezekiel Elliott
For nearly seven seasons, Ezekiel Elliott was the face of the Cowboys’ offense. Drafted with the fourth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, Elliott quickly became one of the most dominant and reliable backs in the league. He helped carry the team to multiple playoff appearances and established himself as one of the premier running backs in the NFL, winning the NFL rushing title twice in his first three years.
However, despite his success, Elliott’s production began to decline in the later years of his tenure in Dallas. Over the course of his contract, Elliott’s rushing yards per game dropped significantly, and he became less of a focal point in the offense. Although he remained a strong contributor as a pass protector and a reliable option in short-yardage situations, Elliott’s inability to return to his elite level of play led the Cowboys to make the difficult decision to release him following the 2024 season.
The departure of Elliott signified the end of an era for the Cowboys’ running game, but it also left them with a void. Elliott had been the engine that powered the Cowboys’ offense for much of his career, and his absence has forced the team to reassess how they approach the running back position moving forward. With no clear successor in place, the Cowboys have been left searching for a new lead back.
The Running Back Room: Who’s in the Mix?
As of now, the Cowboys’ running back room consists of a few options, each with their strengths and weaknesses. However, none of the current backs have the pedigree or proven consistency of Elliott during his prime. Let’s take a closer look at the candidates who could potentially step up and fill the void left by the former star.
Tony Pollard – The Lead Option?
The most obvious candidate to take over the lead role in the Cowboys’ backfield is Tony Pollard. Pollard has spent the first few years of his career as a complementary back behind Elliott, but over time, he has shown flashes of brilliance and has proven that he is capable of handling a larger workload.
Pollard’s breakout season came in 2023 when he posted impressive numbers as both a rusher and a receiver. He finished the year with 1,100 rushing yards and added another 300+ yards through the air. His ability to make defenders miss in space, combined with his explosiveness and speed, makes him a dangerous weapon on the field. Pollard’s agility and burst also make him a strong candidate for third-down situations, where his ability to catch passes out of the backfield adds an extra layer of versatility to the offense.
However, one of the key questions surrounding Pollard’s future as the Cowboys’ lead back is his ability to handle a full workload. While he has shown promise in limited carries, there are concerns about whether Pollard can stay healthy and produce at a high level over the course of a 17-game season. Running backs with Pollard’s style of play, which relies heavily on speed and agility, can sometimes struggle to maintain their performance over a long season, especially if they’re asked to carry the ball 20-25 times per game.
Pollard will also need to prove that he can be effective in short-yardage situations and at the goal line, areas where Elliott’s power running was a staple of the Cowboys’ offense. While Pollard is an exciting option, there is still some uncertainty about whether he can handle the grind of being a true workhorse back.
Rico Dowdle – A Potential Hidden Gem
Another name to consider in the Cowboys’ backfield is Rico Dowdle. Dowdle has spent the past few seasons as a depth piece for the Cowboys but has shown flashes of potential when given the opportunity. While his career stats are modest—totaling just 200 yards and a touchdown over the past few seasons—Dowdle’s ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact has caught the attention of the coaching staff.
Dowdle is a solid, if unspectacular, option for the Cowboys. He is a capable backup who can contribute in rotational roles, but his ceiling appears to be that of a complementary back rather than a feature option. However, if Pollard struggles with injuries or is unable to handle a heavier workload, Dowdle could see an expanded role in the offense. Given his low cost and experience in the system, Dowdle might end up being a reliable, if unexciting, piece of the backfield.
Deuce Vaughn – The Wild Card
The Cowboys made a surprising move in the 2024 NFL Draft when they selected Deuce Vaughn, the diminutive but explosive running back out of Kansas State. At just 5’5” and 179 pounds, Vaughn doesn’t have the prototypical size that NFL teams look for in a running back, but his speed, vision, and ability to make defenders miss in the open field have made him an intriguing prospect.
Vaughn was one of the most electrifying backs in college football, finishing his career at Kansas State with over 4,000 rushing yards and 40 touchdowns. While his size might be a concern for his durability in the NFL, his quickness and ability to create mismatches against bigger defenders could make him a weapon in certain situations. Vaughn is also a strong pass-catcher, which could make him an asset in third-down situations or as a change-of-pace option alongside Pollard.
The main question with Vaughn is whether he can adjust to the physicality of the NFL game. While he has the skill set to contribute, it’s unclear if he can be more than just a situational player early in his career. If the Cowboys are able to get creative with Vaughn’s role, he could carve out a niche for himself as a dynamic playmaker.
Potential Outside Options: Who Could the Cowboys Target?
While the Cowboys have a few internal options to consider, they might also look to the open market for potential additions to their running back room. There are several intriguing free agents available, as well as trade possibilities that could help solidify the position.
Free-Agent Running Backs
The 2025 offseason brings with it a number of notable running backs available on the open market. While the Cowboys may not be in a position to spend big on a high-profile back, there are still options to consider.
- Dalvin Cook: The former Minnesota Vikings star running back could be an appealing option for the Cowboys if they’re looking to add an experienced workhorse to their backfield. Cook is still capable of putting up solid production and could serve as a strong complement to Pollard.
- Kareem Hunt: Another veteran back available is Kareem Hunt, who has shown he can contribute as both a rusher and a receiver out of the backfield. Hunt would bring a physical presence to the Cowboys’ offense and could fill in as a powerful change-of-pace back.
While both players come with baggage—Cook has dealt with injuries, and Hunt has a history of off-field issues—they could be valuable pieces for the Cowboys’ offense if they can stay healthy and focused.
Trade Targets
The Cowboys may also explore trade opportunities for a running back who can step in and contribute immediately. Teams that are in rebuilding phases or have a surplus of talent at running back might be willing to move a quality player for the right price.
- Alvin Kamara: If the New Orleans Saints decide to move on from Kamara in the coming years, he could be an intriguing option for Dallas. Kamara is a versatile back who excels both as a rusher and as a pass-catcher, making him an ideal fit for the Cowboys’ offense.
- Jonathan Taylor: One of the league’s most dynamic backs, Taylor has had his own struggles in Indianapolis but remains an incredibly talented player. If the Colts look to move on from Taylor, he could be a franchise-altering addition to the Cowboys’ backfield.
What’s Next for the Cowboys?
The Cowboys are in a pivotal moment as they address their running back situation. While Tony Pollard is clearly the favorite to take over as the lead back, questions remain about his ability to handle a full workload. The team’s best bet may be to ride with Pollard as the primary option, but they must ensure they have solid depth behind him.
The Cowboys could also explore the free-agent market or trade opportunities, seeking a veteran presence to complement Pollard or potentially challenge for the starting role. Regardless of the decision, the Cowboys’ running back room remains one of the most important storylines heading into the 2025 season. The right choice could propel the team toward another Super Bowl run, while the wrong one could leave them scrambling once again for stability in a key area. The next few months will be critical as Dallas looks to solidify its backfield for the future.
