Cowboys add veteran running back ahead of NFL Draft

Ladies and gentlemen of Cowboys Nation, stop the presses. The Dallas Cowboys have signed an outside free agent.

After an offseason filled with disappointment, this move may just bring further disappointment for fans who are fed up with the moves (or lack thereof) the front office has made.

As first reported by ESPN NFL Nation reporter Todd Archer, the Cowboys have signed former Los Angeles Rams and Denver Broncos RB Royce Freeman.

https://twitter.com/toddarcher/status/1780386950689497169

Freeman was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the 3rd round of the 2018 NFL Draft, and that’s where he had the bulk of his carries and yards so far in his career.

After three years in Denver, Freeman split the 2021 season running the ball for two teams: the Carolina Panthers and the Houston Texans.

He remained in Houston for the 2022 season, playing in just four games and accumulating a paltry 117 yards on 41 carries.

What Does This Mean For Freeman?

Freeman must have displayed some traits the Cowboys like in just 77 carries with the Rams in 2023.

He turned those carries into 319 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 4.1 yards per carry in the process.

This signing is yet another opportunity for Freeman to show an NFL team he belongs on the field with a prominent role.

Freeman has always split carries with other backs on the roster, and that wouldn’t change in Dallas.

The Cowboys don’t have an RB1 unless you’re willing to give that moniker to veteran Rico Dowdle, who has always played a complementary role.

After playing for four different teams in six years, I imagine the former Oregon Ducks lead back is just grateful for the opportunity to continue his NFL career.

What Does This Mean for Dallas?

To be honest, this is not a surprise signing for me. This is just the start of a handful of signings the Cowboys will make ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft.

It’s the Cowboy way, and even though people might not like these one-year deals handed out to journeymen every offseason, it’s a smart strategy.

One thing the Cowboys refuse to do every year is enter the draft with gaping holes on the roster.

This signing is not the free agent splash many expected, but it brings a solid and proven player into a running back room lacking experience.

Freeman would immediately be the most experienced running back on the team and should compete with Dowdle for carries if the Cowboys fail to draft a rookie.

What Other Positions Could the Cowboys Look to Cover?

As I stated above, the Cowboys tend to sign journeymen veterans to one-year contracts to fill gaping holes in the roster ahead of the draft.

I believe Freeman is just the first of a handful of one-year deals that will be handed out to veteran free agents before next week.

Don’t rule out another veteran running back signing ahead of the draft and look for the Cowboys to add bodies in other positions.

I expect them to also bolster the defensive line, possibly linebacker, and maybe add another body at cornerback.