Key Takeaways:
* The Dallas Cowboys are rumored to be considering a trade for Arizona Cardinals’ Running Back James Conner.
* Despite signing Ezekiel Elliott, the Dallas franchise may make an additional move due to shortcomings in their current RB options.
* Analyst Dallas Robinson believes that Conner could be available for a trade after the Cardinals drafted Running Back Trey Benson.
Dallas Cowboys May Enlist Arizona Cardinals’ James Conner
After bypassing the opportunity to strengthen their running back line-up during the draft, Dallas Cowboys are now said to be eyeing James Conner from the Arizona Cardinals. According to Dallas Robinson of Pro Football Network, Conner, an Arizona Cardinals’ two-time Pro Bowler, could be on the trading blocks and available to the Cowboys in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round pick.
A Boost for the Cowboys’ Running Back Line-Up
Despite signing a one-year deal with veteran Ezekiel Elliott, the Dallas Cowboys could still use additional support in the running back position. Current options including Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, and Royce Freman have failed to impress.
Dallas hopes that bringing in Conner, a three-down back, to their line-up will rejuvenate the squad. The Cardinals’ recent drafting of Florida State’s Running Back Trey Benson makes Conner a viable prospect for trade.
Trade Does Not Imply Additional Financial Burden for the Cowboys
After the Cardinals settled Conner’s March roster bonus, it could cost the Cowboys only around $4.5 million in 2024. This cost will be financially reasonable considering that Dallas is preparing to sign stars such as CeeDee Lamb, Micah Parsons, and Dak Prescott to contract extensions.
Impressive Feats Make Conner a Viable Trade
Conner boasts a successful track record in the football arena. The season we just left behind saw him deliver one of his best statistical performances. He recorded an impressive 208 carries for 1,040 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns in just 13 games. Conner also averaged a career-high 5 yards per carry and added 27 receptions for 165 yards and two touchdowns.
Cowboys Still Looking for Additional Running Back
Despite thriving rumors of a potential Cowboys-Conner trade, Cowboy’s owner Jerry Jones suggested that the franchise could still trade for another running back. This was evident before the official signing of Elliott.
In a statement during the recent April press briefing, Jones said, “I’ve seen teams win the Super Bowl with running backs that they traded for midseason. So, this thing’s a long way from being over as to how you’re going to line up against X next fall.”
Before settling for Elliott, the Cowboys gave considerable deliberation to the possibility of signing the ex-Pro Bowler Dalvin Cook. Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News mentioned in an April message that Cook’s options were discussed in-depth within the franchise.
Wrapping Up
Though the team’s final decision is yet to be confirmed, the potential acquisition of Conner could be an asset to the Cowboys’ running back line-up. The possibility of the trade also reiterates the Cowboys’ commitment to building a formidable team for the upcoming season.