FRISCO — The second half of the season saw much better results from a Dallas Cowboys run game that put together an underwhelming 2024 campaign overall. The good moments mattered little because Dallas found themselves far removed from the playoff picture once that phase of their offense started to show some life.
Rico Dowdle had his shining moment in that stretch of the season, finally becoming the No. 1 option despite the team’s intention for him to split with Ezekiel Elliott at the onset of the season. Dowdle bailed the Cowboys out to some extend, hitting the 1,000-yard mark while Elliott failed to reach 250 yards on the year.
That mixed bag of results stemmed from Dallas’ nonchalance toward the position in the 2024 offseason. Jerry Jones and the Cowboys signed one aged running back and relied on a tenured practice squad player to carry the load. That strategy of course did not pan out.
Dallas needs a real plan to turn that part of their offense around and alleviate some of the pressure off Dak Prescott in the passing game. They can accomplish that through free agency or in the draft, but could they utilize a trade to get their next running back?
Maurice Moton of Bleacher Report has predicted a shocking trade that would land the Cowboys Travis Etienne of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Etienne will enter the final year of his rookie deal in 2025 and will be a $6.1 million cap hit. The third-year back saw significant regression in his numbers this season though that has more to do with Tank Bigsby’s addition to the Jaguars’ backfield.
Whether he ends up in Dallas or not, Etienne could be on his way out of Jacksonville via trade, ready for a fresh start and able to contribute at 25 years old. Etienne’s versatility as a runner and pass catcher would make him a welcome addition to the Cowboys’ backfield.
The question turns to the costs outside of his cap hit, likely meaning the sacrifice of some draft capital. If the Cowboys trade for Etienne and he signs elsewhere next offseason, they could look at a potential waste of a pick.
Dallas already gave up a pick in their odd November trade for Jonathan Mingo. Any trades that happen before April should have those costs taken into consideration. Perhaps the biggest obstacle though remains the head coaching vacancy at The Star.
Once that matter is resolved, the Cowboys will be able to make these decisions and truly begin building their roster. Whenever that process unfolds, they will need much stronger decision making when it comes to constructing their backfield.
