NFL Rumors: Dalvin Cook, Miles Sanders Linked to Cowboys as Potential RB Targets

The Dallas Cowboys are reportedly keeping tabs on some outside options at running back in case their current trio is not as productive as hoped.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Cowboys are planning to enter the season with a backfield trio of Ezekiel Elliott, Rico Dowdle and Royce Freeman, however, Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders is on a "short list" of external options, and free agent Dalvin Cook has expressed interest in playing for Dallas.

Fowler noted that while Elliott is penciled in as the starter, head coach Mike McCarthy will manage his snaps and feature plenty of Dowdle and Freeman.

Elliott was the Cowboys' lead back for seven seasons from 2016 to 2022, and he enjoyed enormous success during that time, earning three Pro Bowl berths and one All-Pro First Team selection.

However, after he was outperformed by backup Tony Pollard in 2022, the Cowboys parted ways with him, and he spent last season with the New England Patriots.

Zeke was lacking his once-trademark explosiveness, averaging just 3.5 yards per carry, but he was still somewhat effective for the Pats, registering 955 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns.

Pollard disappointed in the No. 1 role and the Cowboys allowed him to sign with the Tennessee Titans in free agency. Rather than making a big move to replace him, the Cowboys retained Dowdle, brought back Elliott and signed Freeman.

While all three of them bring different skill sets to the table and could prove to be a solid group, an argument can be made that the Cowboys have the least impressive stable of running backs in the league on paper.

If that ends up being true, then Cook and Sanders may end up being veteran options worth exploring.

Cook, 28, was a four-time Pro Bowler and four-time 1,000-yard rusher in six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, but his production fell off a cliff last season.

After the Vikings released him, Cook signed with the New York Jets last offseason, and he had just 214 yards and no touchdowns on 67 carries for the Jets before they cut ties with him.

Cook joined the Baltimore Ravens, and although he did not appear in a regular-season game for them, he had 23 yards on eight carries in one playoff appearance.

Sanders, 27, is best known for his four-year stint with the Philadelphia Eagles, which included a Pro Bowl selection in 2022 when he set career highs with 1,269 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns.

The Panthers rewarded him with a four-year, $25 million contract in free agency, but his first campaign in Carolin was a massive disappointment, as he rushed for just 432 yards and one score on 129 carries and lost the starting job to Chuba Hubbard.

With Hubbard returning and the Panthers opting to select running back Jonathon Brooks in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft, Sanders is a cut or trade candidate, although it is unlikely any team would want to take on his contract.

The Cowboys figure to lean heavily on the passing game led by quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb this season, but a strong running game will be key to keeping opposing defenses honest, and it is fair to wonder if their current running backs can provide that.