3 running backs the Cowboys could target to replace Ezekiel Elliott

3. Leonard Fournette, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Dallas Cowboys said goodbye to one former high first-round draft pick when they let go of Ezekiel Elliott. Could they say hello to another?

Could “Lombardi Lenny” make his way to Dallas?

Although Leonard Fournette hasn’t exactly lived up to his billing as a former top-five draft pick, he has managed to rack up at least 1,100 yards from scrimmage in three of the last four seasons. Perhaps his best stretch of play as a pro came in that tremendous 2020 playoff run for the Buccaneers when he became known as “Lombardi Lenny” when he ran for 300 yards and racked up 148 receiving yards in three playoff games.

I’m sure if the Cowboys signed Leonard Fournette, we would see a lot of Spiderman memes floating around with people wondering why you would let go of Elliott just to sign someone like Fournette. They’re kind of the same guy at this point, right?

Even if that may be the case where Fournette’s best days are behind him, the concept here is getting some experience at the running back position which is something Dallas will need and want to replace after losing Elliott. You get a guy like Fournette who can help you close out games by playing all three downs and grinding out tough yards in short-yardage situations.

This isn’t meant to be a splashy type of move, but Fournette is a big-name player who could certainly be effective in Dallas’ system on a short-term deal. I don’t think this would be the worst idea leading up to the NFL Draft where the Cowboys could then set themselves up to take a back with fresh legs.