The Dallas Cowboys struggled in the rushing game in 2013 and now after signing Ryan Williams to serve as the backup for DeMarco Murray, the team may consider trading Joseph Randle or Lance Dunbar to a team like the Denver Broncos or Arizona Cardinals, as they now have six running backs on the roster and it's unlikely that will stand heading into the season.
Tony Romo needs more consistency from the running game and while Murray had a career year in 2013, it still couldn't get the Cowboys higher than 24th in the league in rushing yards per game. Adding Williams won't change that overnight, especially with his injury issues in the past, but he clearly has talent and if he can remain on the field, he could be a difference maker for the Cowboys. The team now has DeMarco Murray, Lance Dunbar, Joseph Randle, Ben Malena, Glasco Martin along with Williams on the roster and Jerry Jones will have to figure out who stays and who goes heading in and out of training camp.
Williams comes to the Cowboys after getting released by the Cardinals and while Williams was once a second round pick for Arizona, he barely got on the field due to injuries. Williams missed his rookie season with an injury and then only played in five games the following season and he has not played since 2012. That season he had 164 yards and seven receptions while playing in those five games and now the Cowboys are hoping that he can stay healthy. Williams was considered a top talent coming out of Virginia Tech, but injuries derailed his early NFL career and now he has the chance to get back into things with the Cowboys.
The Cowboys signed Williams for no guaranteed money and that means he is a no risk player right now and if the Cowboys get something positive from him, they will be thrilled. Dunbar also works on special teams so he will be on the team most likely, while Randle has promise and the Cowboys like what he did last season while coming in for Murray. Last year Murray had over 1,100 yards, but he has dealt with injuries in the past as well, including last season when he missed games in Week 7 and Week 8 with a knee injury.
Randle came in for Murray and had 91 yards in the two games and he averaged less than two yards per carry against Detroit and that is another reason why they felt they should sign Williams. The team now has a running back that is 26 and he had no wear and tear on him after being injured and now he has the chance to be a solid contributor with the team. The Cowboys averaged just 94 yards on the ground last season and they were ranked 24th in the league and they are hoping adding Williams can help Tony Romo and the passing offense with a more consistent rushing game. The team went just 8-8 last season and while they were 5-1 in the NFC east, they once again missed the playoffs.
