6 Cowboys Already on the Chopping Block Before OTAs

3. Royce Freeman, Running Back

It wasn't surprising to see Dallas avoid a bidding war for Tony Pollard who landed a three-year deal worth $24 million to join the Tennessee Titans. It also wasn't surprising to see them avoid overpaying in free agency since running backs are easily the most replaceable players in the entire NFL. What was surprising, however, was to see them completely ignore the position in the NFL Draft.

Dallas could have taken USC's Marshawn Lloyd at pick No. 87 but instead chose Notre Dame linebacker Marist Liufau. Lloyd went to the Green Bay Packers with the very next pick, which could wind up being pointed to as a mistake down the road.

That decision means the Cowboys now have a depth chart consisting of Ezekiel Elliott, Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, and Royce Freeman. Elliott was added after the draft and his return following a one-year stint in New England means their only other free-agent addition could be gone before he ever suits up for America's Team.

Freeman was signed to a one-year deal after recording 319 yards and two touchdowns for the Los Angeles Rams in 2023. For his career, the former third-rounder from Oregon, has 1,792 yards and 10 touchdowns for four different teams. He's not an every-down back but the 238-pounder could fill the role of a power back. However, that's the one area Elliott still excels, meaning Freeman could be gone before the start of the regular season.