The deadline for restricted free agents to sign an offer sheet with a rival team is this Friday, so while we may see one or two RFAs force their current team’s hand, we should expect to see more of them simply sign their tender offers. That’s the case for running back Lance Dunbar, who has signed his tender with the Cowboys, according to Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (via Twitter).
Dunbar, 25, has been used sparingly on offense during his three years in Dallas, totaling 80 carries for 324 rushing yards. He earned a career-high 47 touches in 2014, carrying the ball 29 times and adding 18 receptions. The North Texas product also contributes on special teams and returns the occasional kick for the Cowboys.
The Cowboys, who lost the top running back on their depth chart when DeMarco Murray signed with the division-rival Eagles, tendered Dunbar at the low end, so he’ll be in line for a $1.542MM base salary in 2015. Despite the absence of Murray, Dunbar won’t necessarily receive more touches next season. Darren McFadden, Joseph Randle, and Ryan Williams are also in the backfield mix, and the team is expected to address the position in the draft as well.