The Dallas Cowboys are facing issues at the running back position, but may not find a solid solution until the offseason. Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder suggested that Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones could be a good fit for the Cowboys in the 2025 NFL free agency. If signed, Jones, a former Pro Bowler, might step in as the team’s starting running back, especially with Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle set to become free agents.
“Ezekiel Elliott’s and Rico Dowdle’s contracts are set to expire at the end of the season, leaving Dallas with a need for running backs,” Holder wrote on September 23, 2024, in an article titled “NFL Team Needs: Prioritizing Every Roster’s Biggest Weaknesses Before Week 4.” Even if one of them is retained, the Cowboys could still benefit from a dynamic backfield option, as Deuce Vaughn has had limited playing time. Holder noted that Jones, with 280 career receptions and 2,100 receiving yards, could fill that gap. Although Jones will turn 30 in December and may not be a long-term solution, his age could lower his asking price, particularly if he joins a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
So far in 2024, Jones has excelled with his new team, recording 325 total yards and 2 touchdowns with the Vikings through the first three weeks. Jones signed a one-year, $7 million deal with Minnesota after previously playing under a four-year, $48 million contract with the Green Bay Packers.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys’ rushing attack has struggled, ranking third-worst in the NFL with just 73.7 rushing yards per game. Both Dowdle and Elliott have underperformed. While the Cowboys could look to Dalvin Cook, who is currently on the practice squad, owner Jerry Jones has expressed satisfaction with the roster. Ahead of Week 3 against the Ravens, where Dallas only rushed for 51 yards, Jones said in a September 17 interview that the team was still pleased with its running backs but acknowledged the need for better protection for quarterback Dak Prescott.
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