The Dallas Cowboys may look at a trade for a running back this summer and players like Matt Forte, Tre Mason, Adrian Peterson, Doug Martin, Lamar Miller and Knile Davis could be potential targets if Jerry Jones is willing to trade a first round pick and this comes as Ben Tate, Chris Johnson, Felix Jones and Daniel Thomas could be free agent options on the market for Darren McFadden support.
The Cowboys have opened up OTAs and Joseph Randle has been getting some work ahead of McFadden at running back after DeMarco Murray left in free agency. According to ESPN Dallas, McFadden may end up second on the depth chart if Randle plays well, as he has been with the team for a few years and knows the offense. The Cowboys have long been expected to add another running back behind McFadden, Randle, Lance Dunbar and Ryan Williams, as they likely will need some depth moving forward with Murray gone.
According to Fox Sports, Jerry Jones has left open the door for a trade for a running back, as he said in an interview that "if the right situation came along", the team would consider a move. Jones cited that with Tony Romo's age and the makeup of the team, this could be a good time to do it, adding: where we are with what we've put together, it's a good time to go for it." While that doesn't mean the team will make a trade, it leaves the door open and there are players that could be available this season.
Adrian Peterson was the big name in the offseason and AP to Dallas was starting to sound inevitable, but right now it looks unlikely. Peterson is having a dispute with the Vikings, but Minnesota appears unwilling to make a trade and he could be stuck with the team on his contract. Mike Fisher at 103.5 the Fan in Dallas and Cowboys HQ looked at some players and the trade possibilities for those backs. Names like Lamar Miller, Tre Mason, Matt Forte and Doug Martin could be options later in the season or during the offseason depending on how training camps go.
The team has also been working out free agents and adding one of those players is more likely than the trade deals. According to Pro Football Talk, the team has held workouts for Felix Jones, Ben Tate and Daniel Thomas and they could add one of those players for minicamp workouts or training camp this summer. Chris Johnson has offered up his services, saying he would be a "perfect" fit for the Cowboys offense after Murray left for the Eagles.
Head coach Jason Garrett and Jones have said that they are pleased with the RBs on the roster, but admitted they are always looking to improve. A trade is a longshot yes, but Miller is coming into the final year of his contract and the same goes for Forte. The Dolphins and Bears both took rookie running backs, while the Rams took Todd Gurley and if he shines it could make Tre Mason expendable like Zac Stacy. The Cowboys have minicamp coming up next month and Dez Bryant contract situation also could play into what the team does with additions to the RB situation.
