Imagine the Dallas Cowboys, already a formidable force, transforming into an even more unstoppable team with just one strategic trade.

The potential impact of such a move is immense and could significantly alter the team’s dynamics.

The game against the Cleveland Browns was a testament to the Cowboys defense, showcasing its potential to be a dominant force this year. While the offense had challenges, the defense stood firm, providing a reassuring anchor for the team.

The Dallas Cowboys offense faced the number one defense from a year ago, and the stats showed it.

The offense made a few big plays that boosted their stats, but aside from those plays, they looked rusty.

Could the offense benefit from adding a player to help improve a specific aspect of their game and get Dak Prescott and the team performing at their best?

What is the offense missing?

The entire offense seemed to sputter at times. Could this be the new offensive lineman? A passing game that is not up to par yet? Or a running game lacking that extra gear?

While Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb may have seemed slightly off, their timing is expected to return, significantly improving the passing game.

The offensive line wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great either. This issue should solve itself with the youth on the line getting more experience.

The one glaring need seemed to be the running game. Ezekiel Elliott looked decent in the first game back as a Dallas Cowboy.

Ezekiel Elliott had ten carries for 40 yards and a touchdown. Those are not terrible numbers for a running back who is supposed to be over the hill in terms of NFL running backs.

Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn did not add much to the running game.

Rico Dowdle had eight carries for 26 yards, averaging 3.3 yards per carry. These numbers will not work for this offense.

Deuce Vaughn was not allowed to impact any aspect of the game. He only had one carry for four yards.

The two players with the best average running the ball were the starting wide receivers, CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks.

Lamb had three carries for 25 yards, averaging 8.3 yards. To add to the running game, Brandin Cooks had one rush for five yards.

Who could help solve the running game issue?

Could an in-state trade help the Cowboys?

The Dallas Cowboys running game could get a boost if the team looks down I-45 South for help.

The Houston Texans have been trade partners with the Houston Texans, which has worked out well.

Brandin Cooks was a good pickup, and it only took a 2023 fifth-round pick and a 2024 sixth-round pick.

The Cowboys front office should call the Texans and get a running back who can add some pop to the offense.

The Texans picked up Joe Mixon in the offseason, leaving a good running back on their roster who is not getting the touches he deserves.

Dameon Pierce could be the answer.

Dameon Pierce is a 24-year-old former fourth-round pick with only 368 carries in his short career.

In his rookie season two years ago, in 2022, Dameon Pierce rushed for 939 yards and four touchdowns. This was a terrible year for the Texans, but he still had a good year.

The following year, in 2023, Dameon Pierce was injured, leading to a down year.

The down year could lead to a lower asking price.

If fully healthy, Dameon Pierce could be a running back the Dallas Cowboys can lean on in challenging situations.

The advanced stats show that in 2022, his healthy year, he had 27 broken tackles, 506 rushing yards after contact, and a 2.3-yard average after contact.

The number that stands out is 2.3 yards per rush after contact. This number shows that Pierce usually pushes or falls forward when he gets hit.

He also had 54 first downs on 220 attempts. This is almost 25 percent success on runs for a first down.

These numbers would do well within the Dallas Cowboys offense.

Can the Cowboys afford another player?

The Dallas Cowboys front office can afford another player, especially a young player, on a cost-effective contract.

Dameon Pierce is not a superstar and has been relegated to the sideline in favor of Joe Mixon. This could work in favor of Jerry Jones.

As all fans know, Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb were signed to mega deals. Future cap space will be an issue, but this year is no problem.

The Cowboys front office could make the trade without losing much draft capital. The low-cost contract fits what the front office looks for in players.

A young player with the ability to elevate the offense and force defenses to adjust their game plan would be fantastic.

Giving our current running backs a chance to prove themselves is a novel idea, but an upgrade to the position will make everyone better.

The front office needs to make this trade to get this team to elite levels on both sides of the ball.