FRISCO – The Dallas Cowboys under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer are making a vow to be devoted to the running game.
“At the end of the day, you have to be able to run the football,” the coach recently explained. “We’ve made a commitment …”
That can manifest itself in a number of ways. Part of the mindset is about the running back, and Dallas has used free agency to find a starter there in Javonte Williams … with us believing that taking a back (though maybe not in Round 1 of the April NFL Draft) is also part of the plan.
And what about fullback? Does that matter?
The Cowboys believe they have a good one in the versatile Hunter Luepke. But a pair of team media insiders share a different vision.
Kyle Juszczyk is wasting little time in his pursuit of a new gig as he is following up being cut by the San Francisco 49ers this week by vising the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Juszczyk is a 33-year-old fullback … but he’s more than that.
Over the course of his time with the Niners, he rushed for 212 yards and added 184 catches for 1,895 receiving yards and a total of 13 TDs.
Oh, and he’s been named All-Pro in each of the last two seasons.
If fullback matters? This is one of the best to ever do it.
“I know I’m not done,” Juszczyk said at the end of the season (via ESPN). “I’m definitely not done playing. I’ve seen zero regression. I think especially, I mean, you can turn on the last two games and please show me where I’ve regressed, so I have no plans of stopping.”
The Niners are saving some money here with the Juszczyk cut … but yet is was still slated to make $4.1 million in 2025. That would’ve made him the league’s highest-paid fullback.
But is that number excessive? Two Cowboys insiders seemingly think not.
From long-time radio voice of the Cowboys Brad Sham: “I’m sure it won’t happen, but you serious about running the ball? Kyle Jusczyk changes games.”
And from former Dallas scout Bryan Broaddus, now of 105.3 The Fan: “This is the truth. Nobody plays better on the move as a blocker. He’s listed as a FB but as you know he plays all over the place. I think Luepke has improved a ton but Kyle just gives me so much more.”
Juszczyk has been named to the Pro Bowl following each of his eight seasons in San Francisco. He’s also played in two Super Bowls.
The credentials are there. And so is the support from smart Dallas media members.
