The Dallas Cowboys held rookie camp over the weekend like a lot of NFL teams and while running back Joseph Randle was limited due to a thumb injury, he made his presence felt and now he has the chance to challenge for the starting job later in the summer after signing a contract with owner Jerry Jones and the team.
According to ESPN.com, the Cowboys signed Randle to a four year deal on Monday following their rookie camp over the weekend and the fifth round draft pick now has a contract worth about $2.35 million with a nearly $200,000 signing bonus. Randle was selected with the 151st overall pick after names like Eddie Lacy and Montee Ball were gone and now gives the Cowboys a legitimate second option behind DeMarco Murray, who dealt with injuries last season. The Cowboys were one of the worst rushing teams in the league and Randle should be able to provide some consistent production after starring in Oklahoma State's high-powered offense.
Randle was limited in workouts over the weekend due to to a thumb injury, but owner Jerry Jones said the issue is nothing to be concerned about, as the team already knew about it and that it shouldn't prevent him from starting training camp on time. One of the main priorities for Jones this offseason was to add more depth to the position and Randle likely will start off ahead of Phillip Tanner and Lance Dunbar on the depth chart behind Murray. Jones also said that Randle will be able to study the playbook and do other workouts while letting the thumb heal.
Randle will have the thumb in a cast for about two months, but after that the hand should be fully healed and not an issue down the line. Randle knows he has an opportunity to play a major role for the Cowboys after Murray dealt with injuries and if the thumb doesn't become a lingering issue he could be the primary backup or even the starter depending on how the season starts. Randle is one of the few draft picks that have signed, with first rounder Travis Frederick still unsigned as well as second-rounder Gavin Escobar, third-rounder J.J. Wilcox, third-rounder Terrance Williams and fourth-rounder B.W. Webb.
The Cowboys ranked 31st in the league in rushing last season while Murray dealt with injuries and because of that the team was one of the most inconsistent on offense in the league. Murray led the team in rushing with 663 yards and four touchdowns, while Felix Jones was second with 402 yards and three touchdowns, but he is now a free agent and rumors have him heading to the Eagles or the Pats. Tony Romo put up big numbers with Dez Bryant and Jason Witten, but he got hit a ton last year and a running game will help him put up even better numbers in 2013 after signing his huge six year extension.