Once known for having a dominant rushing game led by the high-end first pick, Ezekiel Elliott, and followed by Tony Pollard, the Dallas Cowboys are still searching for ways to keep defenses on their toes with a strong ground game.
Right now, the Cowboys are heading into the 2025 NFL season with Javonte Williams at the head of the snake. Coming off of a four-year run with the Denver Broncos, Williams signed a reported one-year deal with the Cowboys.
Dallas also picked up the former second-rounder Miles Sanders. Following a two-year run on the Carolina Panthers, Sanders was released. Dallas picked him up in hopes that he could get back on track.
While the Cowboys’ backfield has experience, they were still recently urged by an NFL writer to inquire about the true availability of the Jacksonville Jaguars running back, Travis Etienne.
As the veteran enters the final season of his rookie contract, it’s been pointed out that the Jags could save over $6 million in cap space by parting ways with the running back via trade. So far, the Jaguars have publicly shot down any idea of moving on from their running back. If that changes, Dallas could consider potentially acquiring him.
“The Dallas Cowboys should already be calling about Etienne’s availability,” writes Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox. “They currently have a backfield headlined by Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders—two big question marks, given their recent production—and have shown a willingness to trade for talent post-draft.”
Dallas’ front office saw an opportunity to boost the offense last month. After making a call over to Pittsburgh, the Cowboys landed George Pickens from the Steelers, giving Dak Prescott a young and valuable pass-catcher to keep secondaries tied up.
The Cowboys hope the current backfield situation pays off in a big way, but it’s fair to have questions.
Javonte Williams wrapped up his most recent season with 513 yards in 17 games. He reached the endzone four times. Over the past two seasons, Williams averaged roughly 3.6 yards per carry, which is under his career average.
As for Sanders, he brings six seasons of experience to the table. As a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, Sanders generated a lot of yards on the ground. He exceeded 800 yards in two out of his first three seasons and scored nine times. By year four, Sanders earned over 250 carries and made the most of it. He exceeded 1,200 yards in 17 games and scored 11 touchdowns.
The 2022 NFL season helped Sanders land a four-year, $25 million deal in free agency with the Panthers. Unfortunately, he struggled to live up to that contract. In year one, Sanders rushed for 432 yards and scored one touchdown. He averaged under four yards per carry for the first time in his career. Last season, Sanders struggled even more. Battling injuries, he managed to take on only 55 carries for 205 yards and two touchdowns.
Etienne is coming off of a down year in Jacksonville, rushing for 558 yards in 15 games. Still, his 2,133 yards through his first two seasons show he has a ton of value to a backfield in need of a consistent rusher. If the Cowboys feel they need to improve the ground game, perhaps Etienne is what they need.
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