Dallas Cowboys News & Rumors: 5 NFL Free Agent Running Backs the Cowboys Should Pursue
The Dallas Cowboys won the NFC East last season thanks to their powerful rushing attack. DeMarco Murray led the entire NFL in rushing yards, however he is now a member of the Philadelphia Eagles. The Cowboys have an elite offensive line, but they could use an upgrade at running back.
Joseph Randle still has room to grow and Darren McFadden has potential, but injuries and inexperience still leave some doubt. We may be in June, but the Cowboys still have some options in free agency. Here are five free agent running backs the Cowboys should consider signing.
1. Steven Jackson
One of the most underrated running backs of his generation. Steven Jackson has the most career rushing yards (11,388) of any active player in the league. He's obviously past his prime, but Jackson did have 707 rushing yards last season with six touchdowns. Jackson also has excellent ball security (unlike Murray) only having fumbled 23 times in his 11 year career. Jackson would easily be a better option than McFadden for the Cowboys given his experience, health and power running skills.
2. Ray Rice
There's no doubt about it -- Ray Rice's stock has plummeted over the last year and a half. He was involved in the infamous elevator incident which got him suspended for the entire season, and Justin Forsett did a great job replacing him. On top of that, Rice didn't have a great 2013 season, averaging a career low 3.1 yards per carry. Still, it was only one bad season. Maybe Rice still has something left in the tank. It doesn't do any harm to sign Rice to a zero money guaranteed contract, and see what he can do in practice and maybe even the preseason.
3. Chris Johnson
Last month, Chris Johnson said, “I’d fit good in Dallas. They need it. Yeah. That’s what we’re trying to do. Dallas, come holler at me.” Johnson wants to be a member of the Cowboys, but do the Cowboys want to add Johnson? Last season was the first time that Johnson failed to rush for more than 1,000 yards; however he did average 4.3 yards per carry. Johnson has value because he's 29 years old, has great speed to break runs to the outside, and he won't cost a lot of money. However, many general managers have their doubts because he's below average between the tackles and he does have some off the field issues.
4. Ahmad Bradshaw
This is a tough one, and it would be a risk. Ahmad Bradshaw is a very talented running back, and the Cowboys know that, having watched Bradshaw play for the New York Giants over the years. The issue here is health. Bradshaw had to have season ending neck surgery last season after averaging a terrific 4.7 yards per carry for the Indianapolis Colts. Bradshaw is a good runner between the tackles, and he would get limited carries on this team. He could be good for goal line situations, especially behind the Cowboys' elite offensive line.
5. Peyton Hillis
What? Peyton Hillis? You've got to be kidding, right? Now, hold on a second. We all know Hillis isn't the greatest running back out there, although he did have 1,177 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns in 2010 and make the Madden cover, but he can offer a lot more than just Fantasy Football statistics. Hillis is a great blocking back when compared to most other running backs in the league, and if Jason Garret wants to implement a two-back system, adding Hillis could be wise. Hillis could do for Randle what Daryl "the Moose" Johnston did for Emmitt Smith in the '90s. It should also be mentioned that Hillis averages 4.1 yards per carry in his career.