The Dallas Cowboys backfield is going to look a little different this year than it has in years past. Ezekiel Elliott, who has been the lead back since being drafted fourth overall in 2016, was released this offseason. He had no guaranteed money remaining on his deal and Dallas was unable to work out a restructure with him to keep him around.
While there is a chance that he is brought back later on, for now, this backfield belongs to Tony Pollard. However, with Pollard recovering from a fractured fibula and high ankle sprain, his availability for the beginning of the season is in doubt.
The current depth for the Cowboys at the running back position is dire behind Pollard. Ronald Jones was signed in free agency, joining Malik Davis and Rico Dowdle. At one point or another, Jerry Jones will add some more players to the mix at the position.
The 2023 NFL Draft could provide them with that opportunity. It would not be shocking if the Cowboys drafted at least one running back to round out their depth at the position. However, given the inexperience of the players already on the roster outside of Pollard and Jones, they could look for a more veteran option.
If that is the route they opt to take, the trade market could provide them with what they are looking for. One player to keep an eye on is Dalvin Cook of the Minnesota Vikings. It seems like a matter of when, not if, the Vikings are going to move on from him whether it is via release or trade.
Dallas has been mentioned as a possible landing spot for him, which makes sense. They could use a replacement for Elliott and have some cap space to bring on a veteran of Cook’s stature. Ownership has never shied away from making a splash move before and Cook would fill a need.
What could a trade between the Cowboys and Vikings look like? Knowing there is a chance that Cook will be released, the trade offers coming in won’t be overly aggressive. Dallas could offer their fourth-round pick, No. 129 overall and fifth-round pick, No. 169 in exchange for Cook and Minnesota’s sixth-round pick, No. 211.
The Vikings pick up a fourth-round pick, which they don’t currently have one of, and move up a round as well. It is hard to imagine them getting more than one pick with rumors swirling that Cook could be released if no trade is found.
For the Cowboys, they get a massive upgrade in their backfield. With Pollard’s return to the field clouded, Cook provides the team with insurance. Having a two-headed monster in the backfield will help keep both players fresh for what Dallas hopes is a deep, long playoff run.
Healthy and recovered from his labrum surgery in February, Cook would be an excellent addition to the Cowboys backfield.
