Dallas Cowboys predicted to make bold trade for speedy running back

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves at a crossroads. While the team has experienced consistent success in recent years, particularly in the regular season, they have struggled to achieve postseason glory. The Cowboys’ inability to break through the playoffs has been a source of frustration for both the coaching staff and the fanbase. With a strong foundation in place and a roster loaded with talent, there’s one area where the Cowboys could make a move that could change the trajectory of their season: the running back position.

The Cowboys have relied heavily on Ezekiel Elliott in the past, but his performance in recent seasons has been inconsistent. While he remains a valuable asset to the offense, there’s a growing sense that the team needs a more explosive, dynamic running back to complement their strong passing game and provide a spark to the offense. As a result, some experts believe that the Cowboys are poised to make a bold trade for a speedy running back, one who can add another dimension to the offense and help elevate the team’s overall performance.

In this article, we will explore the potential trade for a speedy running back, why the Cowboys may be interested in making such a move, the possible trade candidates, and how this trade could impact the team’s offense and chances of success in 2025.

The Cowboys’ Running Back Situation: A Need for Speed

The Dallas Cowboys have always prided themselves on having a strong running game. Over the years, they’ve been known for a tough, physical style of play that focuses on controlling the line of scrimmage and establishing the run. While the Cowboys have had success in this area, there’s a growing realization that the game has evolved, and a more versatile, speed-oriented running back could be the key to unlocking the offense’s full potential.

For much of the past decade, Ezekiel Elliott has been the focal point of the Cowboys’ offense. Elliott’s ability to churn out tough yards between the tackles and serve as a capable receiving option has made him one of the most well-rounded backs in the league. However, in recent years, his ability to consistently break off big runs has diminished. Elliott’s rushing average has dropped, and he has faced criticism for not being as explosive as he once was.

In 2023, Elliott posted a career-low 4.1 yards per carry, which raised questions about his ability to be the bell cow back for the Cowboys moving forward. While he remains a solid contributor to the team, there’s a growing sense that the Cowboys need a back who can provide more speed, agility, and big-play potential to take the pressure off the passing game and give quarterback Dak Prescott more options.

Beyond Elliott, the Cowboys have Tony Pollard, who is known for his speed and burst in the open field. Pollard has shown flashes of brilliance as a change-of-pace back, but he has struggled with consistency when given a larger workload. Injuries have also hampered Pollard’s availability at times, leading to questions about whether he can handle a full-time role.

Why the Cowboys Are Predicted to Make a Bold Trade

Despite having solid running back depth with Elliott and Pollard, the Cowboys appear poised to make a trade for a new weapon in the backfield. Several factors contribute to this potential move:

1. Playoff Frustration: The Cowboys have been competitive in recent years but have yet to break through to the NFC Championship Game, let alone the Super Bowl. While the defense has been solid and Dak Prescott has shown growth, the offense has often struggled to find balance. The lack of an explosive, dynamic running back could be one of the missing pieces that could push the Cowboys over the hump in the postseason.
2. Desire for Big Play Potential: In today’s NFL, teams are moving toward a more pass-heavy approach, but the running back position remains crucial in creating balance and forcing defenses to respect the run. The Cowboys’ offense has shown flashes of brilliance but has occasionally been bogged down in critical moments. A speedy, big-play running back would add another dimension to the offense and force defenses to adjust, opening up passing lanes for Prescott and the receivers.
3. Injuries and Age: While Elliott and Pollard have been productive when healthy, both players have dealt with injuries in recent years. Elliott’s age (28 years old) and Pollard’s history of injury concerns could lead the Cowboys to look for a younger, fresher option to take over the reins of the running game.
4. The NFC’s Competitive Landscape: With teams like the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Minnesota Vikings continuing to build strong rosters, the Cowboys will need to make bold moves to stay ahead of the competition. Securing a high-impact running back could give the Cowboys the edge they need to compete with the top teams in the NFC.
5. Dak Prescott’s Growth: Prescott is entering the prime of his career and has shown he can be a top-tier quarterback when given the right pieces around him. However, to unlock his full potential, the Cowboys need to be able to run the ball effectively and keep defenses honest. A dynamic running back could help Prescott by opening up more play-action opportunities and providing an additional threat in the backfield.

Potential Trade Candidates for the Cowboys

If the Cowboys are indeed considering a trade for a speedy running back, several potential candidates could fit the bill. Here are some of the most likely players who could be on the Cowboys’ radar:

1. Aaron Jones (Green Bay Packers): Jones has been one of the most explosive and consistent running backs in the NFL over the past few years. Known for his ability to break off long runs and his versatility as a pass-catcher, Jones could be an ideal fit for the Cowboys. The Packers are in a rebuilding phase, and they could be open to trading Jones for the right price. If the Cowboys can secure him, he would immediately provide a spark to the running game.
2. Javonte Williams (Denver Broncos): Williams, a young running back with a rare combination of speed and power, could be another excellent option for the Cowboys. Williams has shown promise as a dynamic playmaker, but the Broncos may be willing to trade him due to their own offensive struggles. Acquiring Williams would give the Cowboys a future star at running back who can contribute immediately.
3. David Montgomery (Detroit Lions): Montgomery is a hard-nosed, explosive running back who can handle a significant workload. While he’s not as flashy as some of the other names on this list, Montgomery’s consistency and ability to gain tough yards would make him a solid addition to the Cowboys’ offense. The Lions are in a rebuilding phase, and Montgomery could be available for the right price.
4. Saquon Barkley (New York Giants): Barkley is one of the most dynamic and electrifying running backs in the league when healthy. His speed, agility, and ability to change the game with one play make him an intriguing trade target. However, Barkley’s injury history and high price tag could make him a more difficult acquisition. If the Cowboys were able to land him, he could elevate their offense to a whole new level.
5. Josh Jacobs (Las Vegas Raiders): Jacobs had a standout season in 2023, leading the NFL in rushing yards. The Raiders may be looking to move on from Jacobs if they decide to go in a different direction offensively, making him an intriguing trade option for the Cowboys. Jacobs’ ability to churn out yards and make plays in the passing game would complement the Cowboys’ offense nicely.

How the Trade Could Impact the Cowboys

If the Cowboys were to land one of these dynamic, speedy running backs, the impact on the team would be substantial. First and foremost, the addition of a top-tier running back would immediately improve the offense’s ability to move the ball down the field. The Cowboys would have a back who can break off long runs and provide a big-play threat, which would make it harder for defenses to focus solely on stopping the passing game.

Additionally, the presence of a more explosive running back would allow Dak Prescott to take more risks in the passing game, knowing that the defense would have to account for the threat of the run. This would give Prescott more opportunities to make big plays down the field to his talented receiving corps, which includes CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup.

A dynamic running back would also help the Cowboys’ offensive line. With a more explosive back, the line would have more opportunities to create running lanes and allow the ball carrier to make plays in space. This would also reduce the pressure on the offensive line, which has sometimes struggled with consistency in the past.

Defensively, the Cowboys would benefit from a more balanced offense that can control the clock and keep the opposing defense on its heels. With a more effective running game, the Cowboys’ defense would have more time to rest and could focus on generating turnovers and creating pressure on opposing quarterbacks.