Christine Michael to Cowboys: Latest Trade Details, Comments and Reaction

Joseph Randle and Darren McFadden just got more competition for touches in the Dallas Cowboys backfield, as they traded a conditional pick to the Seattle Seahawks for Christine Michael, the team confirmed on Sunday.

Adam Schefter of ESPN was the first to announce word of the agreement, while Albert Breer of NFL.com reported the pick is a conditional seventh-round selection.

Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram noted that the team waived defensive lineman Lavar Edwards to make room for Michael.

Michael, 24, had been buried on the depth chart in Seattle behind Marshawn Lynch and Robert Turbin, who "passed through waivers on Saturday and went on Seattle's injured reserve list," per Rotoworld, since being drafted in the second round (62nd overall) in 2013. He's rushed for just 254 yards in two seasons. With veteran Fred Jackson signed on Friday, Michael clearly became an expendable commodity.

“For him, it’s about becoming more dependable, doing stuff consistently,’’ Seahawks running backs coach Sherman Smith said on Aug. 25, per Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times. “That’s always been his Achilles’ heel. The physical talent is there, absolutely no question about that. But we want him to become more dependable and more accountable.’’

He has flashed explosiveness and talent at times, however, and this move could rejuvenate his career, per Dane Brugler of CBS Sports:

Indeed, in Dallas he should compete for the starting job. Neither Randle nor McFadden has really stood out this summer—with Randle's relative inexperience as a feature back and McFadden's injury history both lingering concerns—while Lance Dunbar is likely to be used situationally in third-down packages. 

That bodes well for Michael, per Evan Silva of Rotoworld:

However, Matthew Berry of ESPN issued a word of caution regarding Michael:

Michael has long been a favorite in fantasy circles as a player many felt could be a breakout candidate if he ever got playing time. In Dallas, he finally has a chance to prove he can be a dynamic player in the NFL and should shine behind the team's excellent offensive line if he can earn significant touches in the offense.