Dallas Cowboys may add a veteran running back this offseason after not taking one in the NFL draft and names like Chris Johnson, Knowshon Moreno, Pierre Thomas and Steven Jackson could be potential options to give Darren McFadden, Joseph Randle, Ryan Williams and Lance Dunbar some support on the depth chart heading into offseason workouts and training camp.
--UPDATE: Collins has signed with the Cowboys
The Cowboys signed McFadden this offseason after DeMarco Murray was allowed to walk in free agency and he likely will be the starter. Many around the league felt that the Cowboys would draft a running back with a deep class of players coming out, but the team stuck to their board and did not take anyone at the position. According to Mike Fisher at CowboysHQ.com, the team likely will add a veteran running back this offseason, but it may not come until just before training camp.
According to Pro Football Talk, Chris Johnson could be an option, as he was mentioned by name by Cowboys COO Stephen Jones as a potential free agent for the team to look at. Johnson himself also said that he would be a good fit for the Cowboys, saying to TMZ that he is hoping for the team to get in contact with him about possibly signing.
According to ESPN Dallas, La'el Collins met with Jerry Jones this week after he was not drafted and he has had interest from numerous teams, including the Dolphins and Bills. Collins reportedly flew down to Dallas and met with Jones and this comes after the Bills met with Collins and after the Dolphins tried to woo him with former college teammate Jarvis Landry.
Jones spoke about the position during a conference call with season ticket holders and he said that the team may consider adding a free agent running back. Johnson was mentioned by Jones and the Dallas Morning News writes that Jones said that Johnson's past injuries and decline in rushing yards are a concern. Jones added that the team is always looking to add and make improvements and that they are currently satisfied with the players they have on the roster.
Johnson is one of the notable free agent running backs left on the market with Moreno, Steven Jackson and Pierre Thomas also available. Johnson and McFadden were taken in the same draft and for a time Johnson was one of the most consistent backs in football, rushing for at least 1000 yards in six straight season and he also broke the 2K barrier once. Johnson rushed for just 663 yards last season for the Jets and the team opted to let him go after just one season.
Jackson had two up and down seasons with the Atlanta Falcons while dealing with injuries and he remains on the market along with Thomas, who was released by the New Orleans Saints. Moreno dealt with a knee injury last season after signing a one-year contract with Miami and he was coming off of his best performance in 2013 with the Broncos. The Cowboys feel comfortable with what they have on the roster and as long as McFadden stays healthy, they could keep the group for the start of the season.
Check here for more on the Cowboys and the running back situation.
