15-year trend the Cowboys should follow at RB in 2024
It’s hard to think the 2023 season has already ended, but here we are.
I’m already thinking about how to watch the Cowboys play deeper into the playoffs next season.
The Dallas Cowboys face significant decisions during draft season and free agency.
Whether we like it or not, Dak Prescott will get a contract extension. This team should follow the trend of the past 15 years at a different position.
Since 2009, investing in a low-cost running back as a starter has been profitable.
Let’s Take a Look
Since 2009, just four starting running backs on the winning team accounted for more over 1% of the team’s cap space, as seen in the graph below.
Leonard Fournette in 2020; Sony Michel in 2018, Marshawn Lynch in 2014, and Ray Rice in 2012.
If the 49ers had won the Super Bowl this season, Christian McCaffery would have been the highest-paid player in the last 15 years, but they did not.
The Chiefs won back-to-back games with Isiah Pacheco as their lead back and Patrick Mahomes, but the truth remains.
You don’t pay running backs much money now.
The total amount of money paid to these running backs during their Super Bowl-winning season was $10.5 million.
Cowboys Options
Depending on the market for Tony Pollard, the Cowboys could let him go and hunt for a cheaper option at the position.
The Cowboys face a $6.04 million cap charge for Ezekiel Elliott in 2024, prompting them to consider a more manageable option.
Trey Benson from Florida State is my first choice.
He is a 6-foot-1, 225-pound back who moves like he weighs 190 pounds. According to some of the tapes I’ve seen of him, he’s a really speedy power back.
His receiving ability is above average, but they don’t need him to be CMC, Dallas can use what they have still under contract or find a cheaper guy like Marlon Mack or someone similar.
Not The Biggest Need
Running back is far from the Cowboys’ most pressing need in the draft or in free agency, but the last 15 years have shown that paying close to nothing for an average back results in championships.
The Cowboys’ primary needs include offensive line, linebacker, and defensive line.
Tyron Smith’s age makes it uncertain whether he will return to Dallas. The Cowboys struggle to stop the run, with undersized linebackers and a disappointing performance from Mazi Smith.
Leighton Vander Esch’s neck injury may force him to retire, suggesting a bleak future.
If the Cowboys want to be contenders next season, I’d go cheap on running backs. Get a man in the draft like Benson, or someone who may be less expensive than Pollard.
If they can pass block, that’s a bonus; Pollard struggled in the passing game this season.
The following few months will be interesting.
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