The Dallas Cowboys absolutely crushed the 2024 NFL Draft. They used five of their eight selections on either the offensive or defensive line. The other three picks were used to bolster depth at thin positions, including linebacker, cornerback and wide receiver.
The only issue? The Cowboys didn’t draft a running back. If you’re going to gloss over a position, running back is obviously better than others.
Having said that, though, Dallas’ RB room might be the worst in the league. It’s currently headlined by Rico Dowdle, who rushed for 861 yards and two touchdowns last season. Following him on the depth chart are free-agent signing Royce Freeman and 2023 sixth-round pick Deuce Vaughn.
The Cowboys have signed multiple undrafted free agents to stop the proverbial bleeding, but that won’t fix anything. Neither will signing Ezekiel Elliott, whom Jerry Jones foolishly believes can still lead a backfield.
If Dallas was paying attention during the draft, there’s an out-favor AFC running back whom they should absolutely inquire about.
Marcus Mosher of The 33rd Team slammed the Pierce-to-Dallas drum the second the Texans selected Louisville running back Jawhar Jordan in the third round. Jordan rushed for over 1,100 yards and 13 touchdowns on 6.1 yards per carry in his final season with the Cardinals. He was one of the best zone rushers in the country and should fit Bob Slowik’s offense like a glove.
Not only did the Texans draft Jordan, but they traded for Joe Mixon earlier this offseason. They swiftly signed Mixon to a three-year, $27 million extension with $13 million guaranteed. It’s clear they regard Mixon as their bell-cow back.
A breakout player as a rookie in 2022, Pierce took a backseat to Devin Singletary last season. He started just seven games and averaged a measly 2.9 yards per carry. Perhaps Pierce isn’t a good fit with Slowik, but he’s one year removed from a banner rookie season in which he ranked top six among RBs in yards after contact per attempt and missed tackles forced.
Trading for Pierce is a fantastic idea for the Cowboys. There’s seemingly no way back to the top of Houston’s depth chart. He likely wouldn’t cost more than a seventh-round pick and he’ll count less than $2.5 million on the cap combined over the final two years of his rookie contract.
The Cowboys are set on signing Zeke Elliott, but Pierce would give Dallas fresh legs and a back capable of handling a starter’s workload.
