The Dallas Cowboys have eyes for others at running back. It is not wild to think that the Cowboys running back room is not up to par with the offense’s standards.
When fans look at the running back depth chart, they see players like Ezekiel Elliot and Rico Dowdle. The question arises-can these players step up to the crucial role of running the ball?
Teams will add and subtract players as the preseason progresses. The Dallas Cowboys front office is monitoring other running backs to increase productivity.
So, who exactly are the running backs that the front office is closely monitoring?
What running back is being monitored?
Many fans would think the Dallas Cowboys are monitoring free agent running back Dalvin Cook, but this may not be true.
According to a recent ESPN report, the Cowboys have a list of external running back options, including Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders.
#Cowboys camp intel:
-Latest on Dak, CeeDee futures
-Trey Lance experiment (earning QB2 won't be easy)
-Tyler Guyton ahead of schedule
-RB emergency list, just in casehttps://t.co/agwy4MaY5f— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 9, 2024
In Carolina, Sanders is competing against Chuba Hubbard and rookie Jonathon Brooks, who is rehabbing from a torn ACL.
Miles Sanders signed a four-year $25.4 million deal with the Panthers last year, the richest contract for any running back in that cycle.
This is the same Eagles running back who, in seven games against the Dallas Cowboys, has run for 370 yards and three rushing touchdowns.
Which averages out to 4.0 yards per carry and 0.4 touchdowns.
Miles Sanders (27) is two years younger than Ezekiel Elliott (29) and has 868 carries compared to Elliott’s 2065 carries. That is a big difference when comparing tread on the tires.
Miles Sanders put up big numbers with the Eagles in 2022. This was also Jalen Hurts’ best year as a passer.
In 2022, Miles Sanders ran for 1269 rushing and 11 touchdowns, averaging almost five yards per carry.
If the Dallas Cowboys can sign their superstar receiver, this could be the best offense Miles Sanders has played in, and it will create massive running lanes.
Even the most casual fan knows if the running game and passing game are running at full power, it will keep a defense guessing.
The only problem is that the Cowboys’ front office would have to trade for Sanders, and his contract does not currently fit their narrative of being cheap.
Miles Sanders could be a significant addition to this offense and still have the burst needed to be a factor if the front office decides to make a trade.
Who wants to be a Cowboy?
Every NFL player wants to be a Dallas Cowboy; it is America’s Team, and Dalvin Cook is no different in his desire to wear the star on his helmet.
Dalvin Cook is keeping himself in shape and ready for a team audition at this point in the offseason.
At 28, Dalvin Cook was a four-time Pro Bowler and four-time 1,000-yard rusher in six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, but his production fell off a cliff last season.
Last season, Dalvin Cook played for the New York Jets and Baltimore Ravens. He rushed for 214 yards on 64 attempts and 0 touchdowns.
If Cook could not find running room with the Ravens, he might not be the correct fit for the Cowboys.
However, much like Miles Sanders and the Eagles. Dalvin Cook may need a passing game to open up the field for him.
In his last year with the Minnesota Vikings in 2022, Cook had 1173 rushing yards on 264 carries, which is 4.4 yards a carry. He also ran for eight touchdowns.
This is the same year Kirk Cousins threw for over 4500 yards and 29 touchdowns.
Just think what Dalvin Cook could do with Dak Prescott’s 4500 yards and 36 touchdowns. It may be the perfect pairing.
A strong passing game is the key for the running backs to shine
According to stats, the Dallas Cowboys had the best quarterback in the NFL last year.
The offensive line and an amazing passing game are a running back’s best friends.
Miles Sanders or Dalvin Cook could be an upgrade over any running back on the Cowboys’ roster, but the Cowboys are kind of cheap and don’t pay free agents or make big trades.
The blessing in disguise could be that the roster’s running backs get a significant boost from the passing game and have a fantastic year.
If the Dallas Cowboys running backs can utilize the running lanes that the passing game creates, fans could witness one of the best offenses in history.
