The Dallas Cowboys may look at adding a free agent running back this summer, as players like Chris Johnson, Felix Jones, Ben Tate, Daniel Thomas and Steven Jackson remain available and this comes as Darren McFadden and Ryan Williams are dealing with injury issues in OTA workouts, leaving Joseph Randle and Lance Dunbar as the top backs on the depth chart.
The Cowboys have consistently said that they are satisfied with the running backs on the roster, but with Williams and McFadden ailing, they could look at adding depth for camp. Even if one of the free agents doesn't make it through to the season, Jason Garrett and Jerry Jones may want to bring in someone to keep Randle and the other backs fresh moving forward. According to ESPN Dallas, McFadden is dealing with a hamstring issue and is "sitting out" of OTA workouts, while Williams has a sore knee.
McFadden was signed in the offseason by the Cowboys and the team is confident that he can stay healthy for the entire season. McFadden has dealt with injury issues in the past and he stayed healthy for all 16 games for the first time in his career last season with the Raiders. According to Pro Football Talk, the Cowboys gave workouts to Daniel Thomas, Ben Tate and Felix Jones earlier this offseason and if they sign someone, it likely will be one of those players.
The team likes what Joseph Randle has done in limited carries with the team and Todd Archer writes that he could end up starting if he performs well in camp. Randle will get a boost for that with McFadden out and if he shows that he can handle being a feature back, he could get the nod over McFadden. Last season McFadden had just 534 yards in 16 games, but he stayed healthy and the Cowboys think that he can be more successful with their offensive line.
The Cowboys actually felt comfortable letting Murray leave for the Eagles because of the offensive line, as it has been one of the best in all of football over the past two years. Murray's age, injury history and price range scared off the Cowboys, as they knew they would also have to sign back Dez Bryant as well. Earlier in OTAs the Dallas Morning News reported that Randle was getting the "majority of first team reps" in practices, but obviously there is still time before naming a starter.
According to Pro Football Focus on Twitter, Randle has rushed for 10 or more yards in 22 percent of his carries last season and that could help push him to the top of the depth chart. Randle has shown some explosiveness and last season on 51 carries he averaged over six yards per carry. Randle has limited experience with just 105 carries in two seasons, but he can give the team a nice boost along with McFadden.
Tate, Johnson, Jones and Thomas all could be potential options to join the team and they would be coming on the cheap. The team was reportedly interested in a trade for Adrian Peterson earlier in the offseason, but that is now off the table with Peterson reporting to the Vikings in OTAs.
