Dallas Cowboys Rumors: Should Cowboys Cut Darren McFadden, Sign NFL Free Agent Steven Jackson?
The Dallas Cowboys are coming off a season in which they won their second playoff game since 1997.
Much of that victory is thanks to DeMarco Murray, who had an incredible season last year with 1,845 yards. That of course broke legendary running back Emmitt Smith's single season rushing record. Murray is now with the Philadelphia Eagles, and Joseph Randle will be the featured back in Jason Garrett's offense.
The Cowboys have arguably the best offensive line in the league, but they are expected to go with a two back system, unlike last season. This offseason the Cowboys signed Darren McFadden to a two year deal.
McFadden is a former No. 4 overall draft pick by the Oakland Raiders, but many NFL experts believe he is a "draft bust" because he is injured so often. In the last three seasons, McFadden has only averaged (in order) 3.3, 3.3, and 3.4 yards per carry. McFadden also has huge issues scoring the football. He only has 25 career rushing touchdowns in five seasons.
For some statistical perspective, LaDainian Tomlinson scored 28 rushing touchdowns in 2006 for the San Diego Chargers.
Reports have already surfaced that McFadden is (yet again) dealing with a hamstring injury at Cowboys training camp. Injuries have critically plagued McFadden's short career. Only once has McFadden rushed for more than 750 yards in a season, which happened in 2010.
It wouldn't hurt the Cowboys at all to release McFadden. The team still has another month until the regular season begins, and there are plenty of options in free agency like Steven Jackson, who is likely the best free agent running back still available.
Jackson spent the last two seasons with the Atlanta Falcons after nine very successful seasons with the St. Louis Rams. Jackson may be 32 years old, but he could very well be a better option than McFadden for this upcoming season.
Jackson has averaged more yards per carry than McFadden the last three consecutive seasons, he stays on the field far more often, and he scores touchdowns at a much higher rate. Jackson has only missed six total games the last four seasons. By comparison, McFadden has missed 19 total games over the same period.
Edge: Jackson.
Plus, Jackson recently took to Twitter showing his desire to play for the Cowboys.
Jackson would be a perfect fit for the Cowboys alongside Randle, who is still young, but shows a lot of promise with his great burst of speed. Randle averaged 6.7 yards per carry last season. A Randle-Jackson combination would be great because of the speed and power recipe. McFadden isn't a terrible back, but constant injuries leave too much doubt.
At this point in the season, Jackson wouldn't cost the Cowboys much at all. As for McFadden, the Cowboys could simply release him with little salary cap hits.
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