The Dallas Cowboys are heading into training camp with Joseph Randle, Darren McFadden and Lance Dunbar competing to start at running back for Tony Romo and this comes as the team is working on a contract extension with Dez Bryant and that could lead to a holdout if the wide receiver doesn't get the money he is looking for in a deal.
The Cowboys brought in Darren McFadden this offseason in free agency to help replace DeMarco Murray and he could be in line to start for the team. According to Pro Football Talk, the Cowboys are "unsure" of who their starting running back will be this season, as running backs coach Gary Brown said that the three top players on the depth chart all have a chance to get playing time. Browns added that the team is "confident" in their running backs and that comes after numerous reports in the media that the team could add another RB in free agency this summer.
The Cowboys let Murray walk in free agency to the Philadelphia Eagles and they did not appear concerned about him leaving. The team is confident in their offensive line as one of the best in football and the team was wary of paying an aging running back with past injury issues big money. Letting Murray walk will allow the team to have more flexibility with Bryant and the offensive line should help the team make up for the fact that he is gone. Joseph Randle has been taking some first team reps this offseason and he could challenge to start as well.
According to ESPN Dallas, the Cowboys met with Dez Bryant's agent last week and the two sides talked about a contract heading into training camp. The two sides had not met face to face for a little while and heading into the last couple weeks before camp, there is no sign that an agreement is close. The team has until July 15 to get a long term deal done and it comes after the Cowboys used the franchise tag on Bryant. Bryant can sign a one year deal for around $13 million on the tag.
Randle averaged over six yards per carry in limited action last season and the team appears comfortable having him as the number one. According to the Dallas Morning News, McFadden is healthy coming out of minicamp and he should be fully ready for training camp after dealing with a hamstring issue. McFadden was healthy for all 16 games for the first time in his career last season and that could help him as he tries to win the starting job for Dallas. Randle had 51 carries last year, but he made the most of it with his yards per carry average and that could push him ahead of McFadden.
Dunbar likely will not get the chance to start, but he gives the team some solid depth ahead of Ryan Williams and Lache Seastrunk at the bottom of the position. The Dallas Morning News reported coming out training camp that Randle was the "most" worked back in drills this offseason and that the "starting running back job his "to lose" in training camp.
Check here for more on the Cowboys starting RB situation and Dez Bryant.