Key Takeaways:
– The Dallas Cowboys are described as the ideal landing spot for Houston Texans’ running back, Dameon Pierce.
– Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine suggests that a trade involving a young running back would benefit the Cowboys.
– After falling out of favor in the 2023 season, Pierce seems to be a potential trade target.
– A fourth or fifth-round pick would be a probable return for the Houston Texans if a trade takes place.
The Dallas Cowboys are reportedly poised to acquire Dameon Pierce, the struggling Houston Texans running back, in what could be a potentially surprising trade deal. With discussions sparked by trade targets compiled by Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine, Pierce’s previous record suggests he could be a strong addition to. The Cowboys’ roster.
Struggling for Depth at Running Back
The Dallas Cowboys’ backfield lacks young, vibrant runners, prompting Ballentine to suggest a trade for an economically feasible player like Pierce. Right now, the Cowboys’ roster shows a high-paced scramble for the starting running back position. Players like veteran signees Ezekiel Elliott and Royce Freeman compete with Deuce Vaughn, Malik Davis, and Rico Dowdle, none of whom have started a single game. Additionally, Elliott is among the only two active players with 2,000 or more career carries.
Shifting Gears for the Texans
The Houston Texans seem to be focusing on appointing more experienced players, which pushed Pierce, a rookie sensation, into the shadows. In the 2023 season, the Texans shifted their attention towards veteran back Devin Singletary. The situation was exacerbated when the Texans secured Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon from the Cincinnati Bengals. Mixon’s stellar track record encompasses starting 88 out of his 97 career games, surpassing 1,000 rushing yards in four separate seasons. This acquisition will likely put Pierce into Mixon’s shadow, giving him a secondary role.
Exploring Cowboys and Pierce Trade Scenario
If sealed, the potential trade deal will provide Pierce with a new lease of life as the Cowboys’ leading running back. It’s worth mentioning that Pierce, as a former fourth-round pick, would only affect Dallas with a $1.2 million cap hit for the 2024 season. With this economical move, the Cowboys’ running back void could be filled without incurring heavy salary costs.
Potential Terms of Trade
Even though Alex Ballentine hasn’t particularly mentioned what round pick the Cowboys would give up, a fourth or fifth-round pick appears to be a reasonable exchange for Pierce. After a tough 2023 season, Pierce is in need of a fresh start. Despite the worst average (2.9 yards per carry) of all running backs last season, he still managed an offense grade of 66.6 and a rushing grade of 64.7.
Securing the service of Pierce could bolster the Cowboys’ running back options. A trade would give the 24-year-old a chance to recreate his rookie season magic, where he accumulated over 1,100 yards. It could also offer a balanced roster to the Cowboys, with Pierce as the leading option and supportive players like Elliott and Freeman. This proposed shake-up, suggesting a journey from a secondary role in Houston to potentially being the leading running back in Dallas, paints Pierce as a trade target worthy of closer inspection.