NFL Insider: Cowboys 'Unlikely to Make a Big Move' for Free-Agent RB amid Jeanty Buzz

The Dallas Cowboys are reportedly more likely to draft a difference-maker like Ashton Jeanty to upgrade the running back position than they are to sign or trade for one this offseason.

According to The Athletic's Jon Machota, "They’re unlikely to make a big move to get a standout back like Philadelphia did with Saquon Barkley. Drafting Jeanty is the next best option."

However the Cowboys choose to address running back—and they almost assuredly will, with Machota reporting that "new head coach Brian Schottenheimer is expected to put more of an emphasis on the run game"—it's a major need. The Cowboys ranked just 27th in rushing yards (100.3 YPG) last season, making them far more one-dimensional than they've been in recent years.

Part of that comes down to last offseason, when Jerry Jones and the front office chose to ignore the chance to sign Derrick Henry, instead going with the mediocre one-two punch of Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott. Dowdle was fine (1,079 rushing yards, two touchdowns) but Elliott was completely washed.

Generally speaking, using valuable first-round assets on a running back rather than more vital positions (quarterback, offensive and defensive lines, cornerback) isn't always the best team-building strategy. But Jeanty is a dynamic talent and happens to fill one of the team's biggest needs. It wouldn't come as a surprise if the Cowboys went that route.