The Dallas Cowboys could be an ideal landing spot for two former great running backs.
As reported by Dallas Morning News’ Michael Gehlken, four-time Pro Bowler Dalvin Cook and former Cowboys star Ezekiel Elliott have “potential interest” in signing with the Cowboys. The interest from both free agent running backs isn’t exactly surprising considering Dallas has yet to replace former starting running back Tony Pollard.
“While they declined to comment, anyone contemplating the Cowboys’ direction at the position would be wise to monitor the veteran running backs in conjunction with a rookie pick,” wrote Gehlken on Tuesday, March 26. “Multiple people familiar with the players’ thinking told The News the veterans have interest in potentially signing with Dallas.”
It’s worth noting that Gehlken also mentions that the Cowboys neither confirmed or denied interest in either running back.
“Team owner Jerry Jones and executive vice president Stephen Jones told the Dallas Morning News this week at the NFL’s annual meeting they could neither confirm nor deny interest in the running backs,” Gehlken wrote.
Why Cowboys Need a Veteran Running Back
The remaining market for free agent running backs is slim. Cook and Elliott are among the best remaining options — along with JK Dobbins and Kareem Hunt — but neither of them were full-time starters during the 2023 season.
Cook was an extremely disappointing signing by the New York Jets, ranking near the bottom of the league with 3.2 yards per carry before landing with the Baltimore Ravens at the end of the season following his release.
Meanwhile, Elliott was a focal point of the New England Patriots’ offense — he even started five games towards the end of the season — but he ran for just 3.5 yards per carry. However, he did show to be a reliable option as a receiving weapon out of the backfield, catching 51 passes — his most since 2020 — despite appearing in just 51% of the offensive snaps.
