Dallas Cowboys could spark fan outrage: Another mistake with a veteran running back?

In 2024, the Dallas Cowboys finished the season with just 1,705 rushing yards, ranking a modest 27th in the NFL. The only reason for this relatively acceptable performance was Rico Dowdle’s resurgence toward the end of the year, who accumulated an impressive 1,079 yards.
However, beyond Dowdle, the Cowboys lacked a reliable figure to consistently move the chains. Unfortunately, one of those names was Ezekiel Elliott.

Elliott in the final stage of his career?

While many fans believed Elliott had lost the dominant edge he once had, Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones was convinced that he could still contribute to the team.
However, the results spoke for themselves—Elliott finished with just 226 rushing yards, averaging a discouraging 3.1 yards per carry, the worst of his career. Despite this, Dallas Cowboys allowed him to leave before the regular season ended, never openly admitting that he was no longer the same player. Instead, they claimed he was free to sign with another team to have a playoff opportunity.

Raheem Mostert as the solution for the Dallas Cowboys?

Now, amidst a complicated salary cap situation, Jerry Jones’ team faces the difficult task of finding a reliable running back without breaking the bank. According to Jacob Camenker’s predictions for USA Today, the Cowboys could target Raheem Mostert, who would already be 33 at the start of next season.
This move wouldn’t be a surprise, as Dallas has opted to seek bargains in recent years due to salary cap limitations.
While Mostert could bring some experience to the team, the issue is that Dallas Cowboys needs more than just a veteran. With Deuce Vaughn as the only running back under contract for 2025, the franchise must incorporate a mix of youth and experience without repeating the same approach that failed them with Elliott.