3 running backs the Cowboys could target to replace Ezekiel Elliott
The Dallas Cowboys have made the tough but perhaps overdue decision to move on from former first-round running back Ezekiel Elliott. Elliott was very successful as a member of the Cowboys, but the team is saving $10.9 million after June 1 by releasing him and designating him as a “post-June 1 release”. With franchise player Tony Pollard recovering from an injury suffered in the playoffs, the Cowboys are going to need to address the running back position.
Now, that could happen in a variety of ways. They don’t necessarily need to target free agents to come in and replace Elliott, especially because they’re obviously trying to save money at that position. But there might be some players that could come in for a reasonable price and make an impact for this team, perhaps a substantial one, in 2023.
Let’s take a look at three possibilities that currently exist in NFL Free Agency that might come at a budget-friendly price.
3 running backs for the Dallas Cowboys to target to replace Ezekiel Elliott
1. Latavius Murray, Denver Broncos
Although Latavius Murray isn’t getting any younger, it also doesn’t really look like his game is diminishing all that much. The Denver Broncos found themselves in a serious pickle last year, entering the season with a presumably very good duo of Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon.
Unfortunately, Williams suffered a season-ending knee injury early on. Melvin Gordon struggled simultaneously (and very badly) with fumbles. The Broncos had no choice but to move on from Gordon and call upon the best veteran available. At the time, that was Saints practice squad running back Latavius Murray.
Murray was fresh off of a London game when the Broncos came calling, and he wound up becoming the RB1 for the Broncos over the course of the rest of the season. He ended up with over 700 yards and an average of 4.4 yards per carry for the Broncos with five rushing touchdowns and 26 receptions.
Murray stabilized a really shaky ground game for the Broncos last year and even entering his age 33 season, I think he’s capable of helping a team like Dallas.