The Dallas Cowboys undeniably needed to address their running back position heading into the offseason. When free agency opened, they had the option of holding onto Rico Dowdle or signing another veteran while likely waiting for the NFL Draft.
Dallas chose to let Dowdle walk, opting for the additions of Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders to the running back group. Altogether, this ended in a lateral move for the team.
The Cowboys moved from a tenured practice squad back to a pair middling ball-carriers with some upside though not coveted pieces by any means. That leaves the draft as the most ideal place to jolt some life back into this backfield.
But one prediction has the Cowboys ignoring this year’s running back class to trade for another experienced back. Pro Football & Sports Network has tabbed Travis Etienne Jr. as an potential trade target based on his past experience with Brian Schottenheimer.
“Schottenheimer was the offensive coordinator when Jacksonville drafted Etienne in 2021. Etienne didn’t play at all that season because of a preseason foot injury, but it stands to reason that Schottenheimer would welcome a reunion with the Cowboys lacking a clear lead back.”
Schottenheimer’s coaching staff assembly and offseason message has conveyed his intent to deliver a better product in terms of the Cowboys’ run game. However, the addition of yet another veteran to this group makes for a suddenly crowded backfield.
And crowded with questionable pieces as well.
Etienne’s production plummeted last season in Jacksonville, so there is some merit to him finding a fresh start with a new offense.
But the Cowboys are not that destination. Whether the Cowboys select a running back with the No. 12 pick in the draft or on the final two days, they must get younger if they are looking for any more pieces.
“Rent” Etienne just because “Schotty” knew him in Jacksonville for a minute?
That’s a stretch.
A promising crop this season should help them accomplish that goal if they choose to do so. Originally, the plan to get younger centered around a selection of Ashton Jeanty with their first-round pick.
That may no longer be an option, but they have the picks necessary and prospects on the board to stick the landing on a revamped offense molded from this rookie class.
