Sorting out the Cowboys' running back situation

May 05, 2015

Cowboys beat writer David Moore on the team's "by committee" running back situation: "They made a point of saying if they had not gotten (Darren McFadden) in free agency, they would have approached it differently in the draft. They would have felt they had to get a running back."

On Ryan Williams, Moore said, "Several teams, when he was on the practice squad last year, came after him to get him, to try to steal him, which any team can do. The Cowboys convinced him to stay. 'You have a future here, we like what you're doing.' I think you're going to see something from him."

He also discussed Joseph Randle: "And Joseph Randle, temperamentally there are questions about him, but the guy averaged 6.7 yards per carry last year. He's that big-play back that can really help them."

Fantasy Impact:

This is a camp battle to watch closely. Whoever emerges as the lead back should be able to post good fantasy numbers. At this point our money is on Randle (6.7 YPC last year), but McFadden could thrive behind the team's talented offensive line, providing he stays healthy. Williams is the dark horse.

yesterday

Chargers to sign RB J.K. Dobbins on one-year deal

Tom Pelissero

yesterday · 7:45 PM EDT

Former Ravens RB J.K. Dobbins is planning to sign with the #Chargers on a one-year deal. Electric when healthy, Dobbins — who averages 5.8 yards per carry in his career — reunites with OC Greg Roman and can hit the market again in March.

Related Players: Gus Edwards

Fantasy Impact:

Dobbins has had poor injury luck in his career, but has only managed 234 total rushes since being drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. This is a low-risk, high-reward move by the Chargers and might give them a runway to wait a little longer in the '24 Draft before they address the position.

Apr 16

Cowboys sign RB Royce Freeman

Todd Archer

Apr 16 · 8:15 PM EDT

The Cowboys have signed running back Royce Freeman to a one-year deal. Freeman had 319 yards on 77 carries with 2 touchdowns last year for the Los Angeles Rams. He was 3rd round pick of Denver in '18.

Related Players: Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn

Fantasy Impact:

Freeman hasn't rushed for 500 yards since 2018, his rookie season. This shouldn't have any impact on the team drafting at the position and/or bringing back Ezekiel Elliott.

Apr 15

Eagles sign WR DeVonta Smith to three-year extension

Ian Rapoport

Apr 15 · 10:45 AM EDT

The Eagles have paid another big-time, rising player. This time, WR DeVonta Smith gets a 3-year, $75M contract extension that includes $51M guaranteed.

Related Players: A.J. Brown, DeVante Parker, Parris Campbell

Fantasy Impact:

Great news for Jalen Hurts and the Eagles offense as a whole. Smith will continue his 1b role in which he finished the 2023 season as fantasy's WR22.