The Dallas Cowboys likely require an upgrade in their running back position.
As the Cowboys approach the upcoming training camp, their current group of running backs appears underwhelming. Dallas brought in Ezekiel Elliott and Royce Freeman during the offseason, but neither was a full-time starter last year. The rest of their running back lineup consists of inexperienced players like Deuce Vaughn, Malik Davis, and Rico Dowdle, none of whom have started a game in their professional careers.
In essence, there is no clear frontrunner to take the starting role at running back for the Cowboys. Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine goes as far as predicting that Dallas will pursue a running back trade before the season begins, suggesting someone like Houston Texans’ Dameon Pierce could be a strategic target.
Ballentine states, “A trade could be the solution. Dameon Pierce seems like a sensible choice. He had a strong rookie year with the Houston Texans, but saw reduced playing time last season when Devin Singletary became a starter, and the Texans picked up Joe Mixon this offseason.”
Texans Could Consider Dameon Pierce Trade After Disappointing Year
Pierce, a promising 24-year-old running back entering his third NFL season, made a significant impact as a rookie in 2022 with the Texans, rushing for 939 yards at 4.3 yards per carry, ranking third among rookie running backs. Described as a strong and explosive runner coming out of college, his career took a downturn in 2023 with a dismal average of 2.9 yards per carry, the lowest among qualified runners that season. Despite starting seven games, he lost his starting role to Devin Singletary, and now faces competition from Joe Mixon, acquired by the Texans in a trade.
Given Mixon’s established role and Pierce’s potential as a backup, Houston might consider trading Pierce, especially to a team in need of running back depth like the Cowboys. Considering Mixon was acquired for a minimal draft pick, Pierce could potentially be available for a modest draft investment, possibly a sixth-round pick, due to his youth and relatively low mileage compared to more established backs.
For the Cowboys, whose current running back options are unconvincing with Ezekiel Elliott’s declining performance and Royce Freeman’s limited starting experience, acquiring Pierce could offer a significant upgrade. Pierce has the potential to step in immediately as a starter and rejuvenate the Cowboys’ running game, making him a compelling option if available at a reasonable cost.
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