RB the Cowboys Should Have Signed Joins Another Contender (Again)
Everyone knows the Dallas Cowboys need to upgrade the running back position. Maybe everyone except the front office in Dallas.
Tony Pollard left in free agency as he signed with the Tennessee Titans on a three-year, $21 million deal, leaving a gaping hole at tailback. They watched Derrick Henry sign elsewhere despite wanting to be a Cowboy. They watched Saquon Barkley sign with a different NFC East rival. They watched the Washington Commanders sign Austin Ekeler.
The Cowboys did finally make one addition, but it was underwhelming, to say the least. They signed RB Royce Freeman on a one-year deal.
Even after missing out on the top RBs, there were still better options on the market. And now one has found a new home.
Cowboys News: Free Agent RB J.K. Dobbins Is Heading to the Los Angeles Chargers
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, J.K. Dobbins has agreed to a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Both Freeman and Dobbins signed free-agent contracts for one year but there's clearly a better option of the two. It's Dobbins, and the Cowboys should have pounced.
Dobbins has dealt with multiple injuries since entering the league in 2020, including a torn ACL in 2021 and then a ruptured Achilles last season.
Due to his injury concerns, of course, he was only going to fetch a one-year, prove-it deal though, and on a cheap contract it's hard not to love the upside Dobbins can offer.
Dobbins is a powerful ball carrier with some nice wiggle room in the open field. He may not have the breakaway speed, but he would have provided more of a spark than any of the tailbacks on the Cowboys roster.
In 24 games across three seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, Dobbins tallied 1,347 rushing yards and 12 rushing scores. Meanwhile Freeman has compiled 1,792 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns in seven NFL seasons.
In retrospect, Dobbins is the better player and Dallas missed out on a running back this offseason... again.
Regardless of the lack of moves, Dallas has one of the best rosters in the NFL. According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the Cowboys are tied with the Philadelphia Eagles (+120) to win the NFC East. If you like these odds, head over to FanDuel Sportsbook and take advantage of your sign-up bonus.
More Cowboys coverage:
Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.