The Dallas Cowboys may add a free agent running back for depth in training camp, as players like Chris Johnson, Felix Jones, Steven Jackson and Ben Tate are available and this comes as Joseph Randle likely will start over Darren McFadden, Ryan Williams and Lance Dunbar this season for Tony Romo and Jason Garrett on offense.
The Cowboys lost DeMarcus Murray in free agency after letting him walk to the Philadelphia Eagles and the team is content with Randle and McFadden as the main backs. The team was mentioned in the Adrian Peterson trade rumors, but those did not come close to happening and now they could look for more depth options. The team previously worked out Jones, Ben Tate and Daniel Thomas this offseason, but the Cowboys did not sign any of those players at that time.
The team added Lache Seastrunk to the mix for camp and moving forward there is a chance the team takes a flier on a veteran as some insurance in case of injuries. Johnson is one of the notable players left on the market along with Tate and Jackson, while Jones is also available after being worked out by the team. Garrett and Jerry Jones said repeatedly this offseason that the team was satisfied with Randle and McFadden at the top, but if either player gets banged up, expect at least one player to join the mix in camp.
Chris Johnson said to CBS Sports that he is expecting interest to "pick back up" when training camp gets closer and he could be a fit once things open up. Johnson was not retained by the Jets and he comes in after the worst season of his career with 663 yards. Johnson was fairly productive though, as he averaged 4.3 yards per carry and was in a split back role with the Jets. Johnson could be a nice depth option for the Cowboys.
The Cowboys signed McFadden and did not draft a running back like many in the league expected and now he is with Randle at the top of the depth chart. The two likely will compete to start this season, but the Dallas Morning News reports that the top "job is considered" Randle's to lose this summer. Randle took more first team reps this offseason with McFadden dealing with a hamstring issue and that should put him as the starter to open camp.
Randle was solid last season in a limited role, averaging over six yards per carry and rushing for 343 yards. Randle has been with the team for two years compared to McFadden and McFadden only made it through 16 games healthy for the first time last year. All of that adds up to Randle being the likely starter and McFadden the number two. The Cowboys had Murray with a career year last season, but they feel that the team can continue rushing the ball successfully without him. McFadden rushed for 534 yards last season and he also told the Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette that his hamstring is "doing fine: heading into training camp.
Check here for more on the Dallas Cowboys offseason moves and the RB battle.