The Dallas Cowboys may look at adding Chris Johnson as a free agent to give some depth behind Darren McFadden and Joseph Randle this offseason and this comes as the team could consider a trade with Morris Claiborne if first round pick Byron Jones can start and comes as Dez Bryant could pull a contract holdout in training camp over signing the franchise tag tender.
The Cowboys are coming into the 2015 season after making the playoffs last year and now they will look at trying to repeat as division champions. The Cowboys lost on a controversial call in the playoffs after Dez Bryant had his catch ruled incomplete and now the team is looking forward to getting back on the field. The Cowboys will look different this season, as DeMarco Murray is now wearing an Eagles jersey and Darren McFadden is in as the starter.
Dez Bryant is dealing with a contract situation and according to ESPN Dallas reported Todd Archer, Bryant will likely play on a one year deal this season. Bryant and the Cowboys have until July to work out a deal and if that doesn't happen, he could come in on the one year tender. The team also may consider a trade with Morris Claiborne, as the team did not pick up his fifth year option and now they have Jones as a first round pick. Jones could push to start and if that happens, Claiborne could end up on the trade block.
The Cowboys have been very smart in the draft over the past few years and that is one reason why they have been able to build such a strong offensive line. The team was smart again, getting a strong pick in Byron Jones and taking a heavy value pick in Randy Gregory. The Cowboys are "comfortable" with the running backs on the roster, according to Stephen Jones, although he did admit that the team is always looking to improve the roster.
Jones gave that answer in response to a question about free agent running backs and while the team has not added anyone yet, there is a chance they look at signing someone for depth this summer. Training camp often brings out injuries and with McFadden at the top of the depth chart, the team will need some support. The team already has Joseph Randle, Lance Dunbar and Ryan Williams, but all of those players have questions along with McFadden.
According to Pro Football Talk, Chris Johnson has pushed himself as an option for the Cowboys, although the team said they have not engaged in any talks with the running back. Johnson is among a group of players available on the market at the position along with Knowshon Moreno, Steven Jackson and Pierre Thomas. McFadden stayed healthy for all 16 games last season, but that was the first time in his career that he has done that and the Cowboys could bring in someone to backup Randle and Dunbar.
The Cowboys were mentioned as an option for Adrian Peterson this offseason, but the team never got close to making a deal. The Vikings wanted heavy draft compensation and the Cowboys did not want to give up picks. The team could have went after a back in the draft with names like Todd Gurley and Melvin Gordon coming out, but they felt better with the stable they have on the roster.