Three 'splash' moves for Dallas Cowboys to make in 2024

After another early playoff exit in 2023, "America's Team" could stand to shake things up a bit. These moves would certainly get the country talking.

Bring back Zeke

As New England’s backup running back, Ezekiel Elliott ran for 642 yards and three touchdowns with another 313 yards and two scores receiving last season. Meanwhile, Dallas running backs Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn combined for 401 yards behind starter Tony Pollard.

Dowdle (restricted) and Pollard are both free agents, leaving Vaughn, Malik Davis and Hunter Luepke as the only running backs signed for 2024.

Last year, Clarence Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported that the Cowboys may have been amenable to re-signing Elliott if he would’ve accepted less than $3M. Already $16M over the salary cap, the Cowboys could do worse than Elliott in a complimentary role.

Trade Dak Prescott

If the Cowboys don’t plan on extending their quarterback, getting something for him now would make a lot of sense. If the team doesn’t want to reset the market with Prescott, they can shave $34M off their cap with a post-June 1 trade. But where would he go?

USA Today’s K.D. Drummond sees Chicago as a possibility. Holding the first overall pick and Justin Fields’ rookie contract gives the Bears plenty of flexibility should they want to build around a veteran QB.

How about the Raiders? With the 13th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Las Vegas is unlikely to land a top quarterback. What about Washington? Would the Commanders take Prescott and picks to trade out of the No. 2 spot? Brian Johnson, Washington’s recently hired pass game coordinator, was Prescott’s quarterback coach at Mississippi State.

While these scenarios may seem improbable, none are impossible given the impulsive nature of team owner/general manager Jerry Jones.

Sign Chris Jones

Ownership would have to get creative, but somebody has to play defense for the Cowboys next year, so why not one of the best defensive ends in football? With Dorance Armstrong, Dante Fowler Jr., Johnathan Hankins and Neville Gallimore all reaching free agency, there’s plenty of room on the roster for a five-time Pro Bowler.

The Chiefs recently picked an option that would allow the team to use a  $19.75M franchise tag to keep him, but with secondary players like Mike Edwards and L’Jarius Sneed also hitting the market, Jones’ return to Kansas City is no sure thing.