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The Cowboys have a hole in their roster’s depth chart behind franchise star Ezekiel Elliott. One of the league’s true workhorse backs, Elliott rarely leaves the field for extended periods of time and rightfully so, as the Dallas offense has been centered around a philosophy that features him relentlessly. In the last three years, the Cowboys have had a few guys backing up Elliott, most recently his former Ohio State teammate Rod Smith. Smith is a free agent in 2019 and the team may look elsewhere to fill the backup role.
There are many ways the Cowboys could approach this position in the offseason. Avoiding spending big is certainly a no-brainer. Dallas has no plans to siphon a major chunk of Elliott’s touches from him. The team has in the past tried to employ scat back, change-of-pace guys, but not so much since Elliott’s been on board. What, if any direction, will the Cowboys go in 2019?
Currently filling in Smith’s spot as the No. 2 back on the depth chart is Elliott’s draft-class mate Darius Jackson. Taken in the sixth round, the 6-foot, 220-pound Jackson returned to the Cowboys last season after spending time in Cleveland. He was on the practice squad before being poached by Green Bay, and then returned to Dallas later in the season. The former Eastern Michigan star has the athleticism required to make a mark in the league, but hasn’t made a mark in the league yet.
Behind him, there’s Jordan Chunn, a power back from Troy who spent the year on the practice squad.
One in-house note of interest is that Dallas re-signed FB Jamize Olawale after a year which he hardly contributed at all. Head coach Jason Garrett is one of the few in the league who still loves the position, and Olawale’s worth was seen as someone who had ability with the ball in his hands. He got only a handful of opportunities in 2018, but could see more in a yet-unknown version of Garrett’s offense in Kellen Moore’s hands.
Does that mean the Cowboys aren’t looking to make a move at the position in free agency?
Elliott has missed eight games in his career, but none have been because of injury. There were the season-ending contests of 2016 and 2018, after Dallas was already secured of their playoff position, and then a six-game suspension in 2017. While Elliott certainly takes his share of bumps and bruises, he’s proven to be a durable back during his early career.
Still, Dallas may be wise to consider bringing in a player with more pedigree than Jackson or Chunn, or one with a skillset similar to what they used to have with Lance Dunbar. If either are on the Cowboys’ front office wishlist, than there are more than a few veteran backs who fit the mold.
The second question is whether or not Dallas would look to sign one of these guys prior to April’s draft. There should definitely be options left over in May to bring aboard if the club doesn’t see too much separation between candidates though with only six selections and no first rounder, it will be interesting to watch the team’s philosophy here.
If they want to secure the services of a veteran, here’s a look at the best options remaining on the market. Follow the jump or enjoy our gallery.
Gallery
6 free agent running backs for Cowboys to consider in 2019
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1 2 3 …4
Continue reading...
There are many ways the Cowboys could approach this position in the offseason. Avoiding spending big is certainly a no-brainer. Dallas has no plans to siphon a major chunk of Elliott’s touches from him. The team has in the past tried to employ scat back, change-of-pace guys, but not so much since Elliott’s been on board. What, if any direction, will the Cowboys go in 2019?
Currently filling in Smith’s spot as the No. 2 back on the depth chart is Elliott’s draft-class mate Darius Jackson. Taken in the sixth round, the 6-foot, 220-pound Jackson returned to the Cowboys last season after spending time in Cleveland. He was on the practice squad before being poached by Green Bay, and then returned to Dallas later in the season. The former Eastern Michigan star has the athleticism required to make a mark in the league, but hasn’t made a mark in the league yet.
Behind him, there’s Jordan Chunn, a power back from Troy who spent the year on the practice squad.
One in-house note of interest is that Dallas re-signed FB Jamize Olawale after a year which he hardly contributed at all. Head coach Jason Garrett is one of the few in the league who still loves the position, and Olawale’s worth was seen as someone who had ability with the ball in his hands. He got only a handful of opportunities in 2018, but could see more in a yet-unknown version of Garrett’s offense in Kellen Moore’s hands.
Does that mean the Cowboys aren’t looking to make a move at the position in free agency?
Elliott has missed eight games in his career, but none have been because of injury. There were the season-ending contests of 2016 and 2018, after Dallas was already secured of their playoff position, and then a six-game suspension in 2017. While Elliott certainly takes his share of bumps and bruises, he’s proven to be a durable back during his early career.
Still, Dallas may be wise to consider bringing in a player with more pedigree than Jackson or Chunn, or one with a skillset similar to what they used to have with Lance Dunbar. If either are on the Cowboys’ front office wishlist, than there are more than a few veteran backs who fit the mold.
The second question is whether or not Dallas would look to sign one of these guys prior to April’s draft. There should definitely be options left over in May to bring aboard if the club doesn’t see too much separation between candidates though with only six selections and no first rounder, it will be interesting to watch the team’s philosophy here.
If they want to secure the services of a veteran, here’s a look at the best options remaining on the market. Follow the jump or enjoy our gallery.
Gallery
6 free agent running backs for Cowboys to consider in 2019
Continue…
1 2 3 …4
Continue reading...