The Dallas Cowboys reportedly have talked about a Montee Ball trade with the Denver Broncos to help add depth for Darren McFadden and Joseph Randle and the team also could look at Christine Michael, who is reportedly being shopped by the Seattle Seahawks.
The Cowboys have been consistent all season in saying they are happy with their depth at running back, but the team may want to add someone heading into Week 1 Darren McFadden has had injury issues and Randle has never been a number one back, although Jason Garrett has had confidence that he can handle it. The Cowboys could add a free agent or someone that gets cut in roster cutdowns, but a trade is also an option.
UPDATE: Michael has been traded to the Cowboys. Montee Ball has been waived.
According to Pro Football Talk, multiple reports from local Denver outlets has Ball on the trade block and an option for the Cowboys. Vic Lombardi at 104.3 The Fan and Benjamin Allbright from Mile High Sports 1430 are reporting that the sides have "discussed a trade" regarding Ball going to the Cowboys. NFL.com and Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram later reported that there are "no talks" going on between the teams.
Ball is a trade option after falling out of favor in Denver, as players like CJ Anderson and Ronnie Hillman are now ahead of him on the depth chart. Ball dealt with injuries and inconsistency last season and now he could be on his way out. The Cowboys have McFadden, Randle and Lance Dunbar as their top three backs and adding Ball could help with depth. Ball played in the final preseason game of the season for the Broncos and rushed for 27 yards on 16 carries against the Cardinals.
The Fort Worth-Star Telegram later reported that the Cowboys could have interest in Ball if he is released by the Broncos. Teams often shop players before cutting them in the hopes of getting some value and the Broncos could be doing that here. The Seahawks have signed Fred Jackson to a deal and now the team reportedly will look to trade Christine Michael. The Cowboys could look into Michael as a depth option, as he previously was a second round pick, but has never factored in much behind Marshawn Lynch.
Jason La Canfora at CBS Sports reports that the Cowboys are looking to trade Michael and the team also is putting Robert Turbin on waivers. The team is planning to try and have Turbin go through waivers and then come back to the team on injured reserve. Turbin will be out with an ankle injury. The Cowboys may look at the market after roster cuts over making a trade for Ball.
Check here for more on the Broncos and Ball and more on the Seahawks and Michael and interest in the Cowboys adding another RB.