Cowboys foolish for not looking into RB trade market

Even though adding another running back certainly wouldn't hurt, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones insists his team doesn't need to acquire one before the trade deadline on Tuesday.

"I like our running backs," Jones said Monday, via Clarence Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "I don't want to dismiss anything, but that is not a pointed position of need at all, not on the radar."

The Cowboys ground attack is 11th in the NFL in rushing yards per game (117.1), but the RB room lacks depth. Tony Pollard has accounted for more than 50 percent of the team's rushing attempts (108 of 208).
Clearly, it's taking a toll on the 26-year-old. This season, he's averaging a career-low 3.9 yards per carry and has only eclipsed the 100-yard mark once after making his first Pro Bowl in 2022 by averaging 5.2 yards per rush.

The thin RB room has contributed to the team's red zone struggles, too. Per Pro Football Reference, Dallas ranks 29th in the NFL in red zone percentage (40.7 percent).

NFL.com recently listed Indianapolis Colts RB Zack Moss, second in the league in rushing yards (589), as a trade target. He won't devour cap space since he's entering the final year of a four-year, $4.61M contract.

The Cowboys (5-2) could alter their game plan and give another back already on the roster more carries, but no Dallas back is averaging more than four yards per carry, leaving the Cowboys with few options.

Jones should get on the phone and try to make a deal. Adding another RB would strengthen the offense and ensure Pollard stays fresh, while taking pressure of quarterback Dak Prescott to carry the load.