Leading up to the draft, the Cowboys were frequently linked to selecting a running back relatively early. Dallas eschewed a number of opportunities to add a rookie to the backfield, though, and immediately following the event a reunion with Ezekiel Elliott was finalized. 
Owner Jerry Jones’ comments about Elliott’s ability to remain a starter at this point in his career were matched by the former rushing champion himself. Elliott is by far the most experienced back on the Cowboys’ roster, but head coach Mike McCarthy revealed at the team’s rookie minicamp that a committee approach will be used in 2024.
“I don’t think that’s fair,” McCarthy said about Elliott resuming his previous role as a workhorse back. “What do you mean? The guy carried the ball more than anybody in the history of football in the first couple of years. That’s not going to be his role, we’re a running back by committee. He’ll definitely play at the level that he’s played at in my time here. I anticipate that. I don’t see any drop off in the way he moves” (h/t Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News).
After allowing Tony Pollard to depart in free agency this offseason, Dallas has Elliott (who averaged a career-worst 3.5 yards per carry with the Patriots last season), Malik Davis, Rico Dowdle and free agent addition Royce Freeman as current running back options. As EVP Stephen Jones noted, however, the team is still open to further backfield additions. One back (Nathaniel Peat) was brought in as part of the Cowboys’ UDFA class. In terms of experienced candidates, Dalvin Cook, Latavius Murray, Cam Akers and Jerick McKinnon top the list of unsigned free agents.
Cook – like Elliott – was named as a back interested in a Cowboys deal earlier this offseason. It remains to be seen if that feeling is mutual in Cook’s case, something which is especially a question mark with Elliott now in the fold. Dallas currently has only $3.86MM in cap space, so moves at the running back position or any other would need to be inexpensive.
In 2023 (McCarthy’s first season as offensive play-caller), the Cowboys led the NFL in scoring while ranking third in passing yards. The team was mid-pack on the ground (14th), though, leaving plenty of room for improvement this season. Elliott will have a significant role to play upon his return to Dallas, but it will be interesting to see how the rest of the backfield shakes out over the coming months.
Damien Harris retired
Delusion lmao
Well, if he doesn’t work out as a RB, he can always play Center.
Interesting that:
” In terms of experienced candidates, Dalvin Cook, Latavius Murray, Cam Akers and Jerick McKinnon top the list of unsigned free agents.”
ALL FOUR HAVE TIES TO THE MINNESOTA VIKINGS !!
Read somewhere that Dallas might be setting up a Deion & son Sanders combo in Dallas next year. Makes perfect sense, bring in 2 more clowns for Jerry to hang with. Mock drafts have S Sanders as a high end 1st round pick after going 4-8 against division 1 opponents last year.
Just trade for Khalil Herbert, he’s in the final year of a 6th round draft pick contract, he would instantly be the best back on the roster and he would cost maybe a 5th round pick, Bears won’t use his between the tackles only skillset anymore
It’s pretty obvious they have no plan…
I bet we’ll see Royce Freeman have at least one game with over 80 yards before the season is over. I wouldn’t be shocked if he ends up as the starter & becomes a comeback player of the year nominee. He had some surprisingly good numbers last year with the Rams.
The “plan” is to further devalue RB in order to further overpay mediocrity at QB.
Hope it blows up in Dallas’ face and Lamb signs elsewhere
What do you propose they do at QB if not Prescott?
I would look at the trade market. I’m not sure if teams are still doing this, but Watson and Wilson got huge returns in addition to not having to pay them a gazillion $$$.
I think you misunderstood.
I’m not saying don’t resign/extend Dak; I’m referencing the recent sentiment of $60M/Season. That’s as insane as Daniel Jones for $40M/Season