6 Cowboys Who Could Be Cut Prior to Training Camp

5. Nathaniel Peat, RB

The Cowboys' decision to skip on a running back in the 2024 NFL Draft will never make sense. They addressed the majority of their biggest needs including offensive tackle, center, and linebacker. Yet a case could be made for running back being just as much of a concern as those addressed.

What made their decision more confusing was how they wound up addressing the need. Instead of going for a younger back with promise, they signed two veterans who have already passed their prime.

Ezekiel Elliott is the big name as he returns following a season in New England. He ran for 642 yards and three touchdowns for the Patriots while averaging just 3.5 yards per attempt. He turns 29 in July which means he's not likely to get more explosive.

The same can be said for Royce Freeman, who turned 28 in February. A third-round pick in 2018, Freeman had 319 yards in 2023 but went for fewer than 200 in each season from 2020 through 2022.

Without a star back, undrafted rookie Nathaniel Peat surely feels he landed in a good spot with Dallas. Standing 5-foot-10 and 206 pounds, Peat impressed with a 4.32 in the 40-yard dash at his pro day. Still, he hardly saw the field during his collegiate career and is far too raw to be counted on.

The Cowboys could still look to add a veteran to compete with Elliott before camp. Dalvin Cook is a name that was tossed around throughout the offseason and remains a possibility. If so, Peat might not get a chance to prove himself.