Rethinking the Backfield: Cowboys' Evolving Strategy
A Legacy of Investment: The Early Era of Running Back Priority
For many years, the Dallas Cowboys stood out in the National Football League for their unwavering commitment to the running back position. This dedication was evident in their allocation of substantial resources, such as utilizing a top-five draft selection in 2016 to secure Ezekiel Elliott. Further demonstrating this commitment, the team later made Elliott the highest-paid running back in the league, even during a period when many other franchises were de-emphasizing the position. Even as recently as 2023, while still managing the financial implications of Elliott's previous contract, Dallas applied a franchise tag exceeding $10 million to Tony Pollard, signaling their continued belief in the importance of a star rusher.
The Strategic Pivot: Embracing a Committee Approach
However, the Cowboys' long-standing philosophy eventually underwent a significant change. Following the departure of their primary running backs in the 2024 offseason, the team executed a dramatic strategic reversal. They largely overlooked the position in both free agency and the draft, opting instead for a committee-based strategy. This new approach involved distributing carries among players like long-time backup Rico Dowdle and a returning Ezekiel Elliott. The success of this adapted strategy was evident, as Dowdle delivered a remarkably strong season, validating the team's new direction.
Sustaining Success: Value-Driven Acquisitions and Unexpected Stars
Building on their newfound indifference to heavy running back investments, Dallas allowed Rico Dowdle to depart in free agency in 2025, even after his breakout year. Their belief had shifted: power was now perceived to reside more in the offensive line's capabilities than in the individual rusher. Consequently, they pursued a strategy of acquiring veteran running backs like Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders through low-cost free-agent deals. This modest investment approach continued with the addition of Day 3 draft picks such as Jayden Blue and Phil Mafah. Remarkably, this fiscal prudence again paid dividends, with Javonte Williams delivering an explosive season, accumulating 1,200 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns.
The 2026 Dilemma: Sticking to the Script or Reverting to Old Ways?
As the 2026 season approaches, with Williams now a free agent, the Cowboys find themselves at a familiar crossroads. The crucial question facing the organization is whether to maintain their recently adopted, successful strategy of treating the running back as a more replaceable component of the offense, or to revert to their previous approach of making substantial investments in the position. While the team has expressed interest in re-signing Williams, the sincerity of these statements and the potential financial terms of any deal remain uncertain. Williams' impressive performance, even with advanced analytics suggesting his overall grade was not elite, highlighted the impact of a favorable offensive system, crediting offensive coordinator Klayton Adams and the offensive line for much of his success.
Financial Considerations and Future Outlook for Running Backs
The financial implications of these decisions are substantial. Spotrac's current estimates suggest that Javonte Williams could command an annual average value (AAV) of over $7.3 million, a significant sum. Similarly, Rico Dowdle, after two consecutive career-best seasons, is also projected to receive a raise, with Spotrac estimating his AAV at over $6.5 million. Other prominent running backs like Breece Hall, Kenneth Walker III, and Rachaad White, who were all highly graded last season, are also entering free agency and are expected to command substantial salary increases. The Cowboys face a pivotal choice: pursue these high-value free agents, or continue their strategy of identifying lower-cost options such as Tyler Allgeirer, Michael Carter, or Kenneth Gainwell. The sustainability of their new, cost-effective strategy will ultimately dictate their actions in 2026.