While the Dallas Cowboys are currently dedicated to finishing the 2023 season on a strong note, attention is already turning towards the prospects of the 2024 offseason. In particular, the running back position for Dallas is under scrutiny.
Despite placing the franchise tag on running back Tony Pollard last offseason, a long-term agreement wasn’t reached, putting the Cowboys in a similar situation for the upcoming offseason. Additionally, Rico Dowdle is set to become a free agent, potentially leaving a significant gap in their running back depth chart.
The departure of both players could necessitate multiple additions to the roster. The Cowboys are expected to be active in the running back market, though the specific tier of that market remains uncertain.
The Cowboys Could Pursue A Blockbuster Running Back Trade
Joe Tansey of Bleacher Report has proposed a bold move for the Cowboys, suggesting they aim for the top of the market by exploring a blockbuster trade. Tansey mentioned Alvin Kamara of the New Orleans Saints as a prime target for the Cowboys in the upcoming offseason.
“This is more of a swing-for-the-fences idea than anything, but the potential acquisition of Alvin Kamara could upgrade the Dallas offense from the high level it is already playing at this season. The 28-year-old would come with a hefty price tag under his current contract, but that might be a risk the Cowboys are willing to take to make their offense as good as any team in the league. Dallas would likely have to send a few draft picks back to New Orleans, and that potential price tag may make this more fantasy than reality, but it is worth a shot, especially if Pollard signs elsewhere in free agency.”
Despite the 28-year-old Kamara’s impressive skills, his current contract comes with a substantial price tag. Tansey acknowledges the potential risk but suggests that the Cowboys might be willing to take such a step to elevate their offense to an elite level. Acquiring Kamara would likely involve the Cowboys sending multiple draft picks to New Orleans, making it a challenging but intriguing proposition.
Kamara is currently under a five-year, $75 million contract, making him a high-stakes acquisition. However, given the Cowboys’ recent departure from Ezekiel Elliott and his $90 million contract, Kamara’s cost might be deemed too extravagant for the team.
Looking at the financial aspect, Kamara is set to have a $10.2 million salary in 2024 with an $18.8 million cap hit. That raises doubts about the feasibility of the Cowboys making a move for Kamara, especially when considering the more budget-friendly option of a second consecutive franchise tag for Pollard, which would cost around $12 million.
Despite the potential intrigue of a marquee running back, the Cowboys must also contend with other impending contract extensions, including those of key players like Dak Prescott, Micah Parsons, CeeDee Lamb, and Tyler Biadasz.
While running back may not be the primary focus, the departure of Pollard could force the Cowboys to address this position as a crucial element in their offensive strategy. Alvin Kamara would be about as an intriguing a target as Jerry Jones and company could find.
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