Who is the Odd Man Out in the Dallas Backfield?
The Cowboys’ biggest need heading into the off-season was a true bell-cow running back after ranking near the bottom of the league in every rushing metric. It was not a great free-agent running back class, with Najee Harris and former Cowboy Rico Dowdle, who signed with Carolina, leading the class. Dallas went in a different direction and decided to bolster an underperforming offensive line and address the running back position in a committee-type way. The hope is that the idea of more consistent results from a committee approach than relying on a single back leads to more production. They signed Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams, both to non-committal one-year deals. The team also selected explosive rookie Jaydon Blue in the fifth round and Clemson’s Phil Mafah, who brings some size and power, in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Perhaps the Cowboys believed the lack of rushing production was less on any individual player, but instead on the situation surrounding whoever was lined up in the backfield. A more powerful offensive line and scheme may elevate the entire unit.
The Cowboys now have six running backs on their current depth chart, potentially seven when you consider listing versatile Hunter Luepke as one. The Cowboys only kept three running backs on the roster in 2024—Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and Deuce Vaughn, who was a sixth-round pick in 2023, and Hunter Luepke as a fullback. That means there are three likely odd men out in this Cowboys backfield. The competition for the final roster spots will be tight heading into training camp.
Javonte Williams is the projected starter after being selected 35th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. Williams has had some good moments after a stellar rookie season where he showcased power and top-level contact balance, but after tearing his ACL in 2022, he has yet to notch an 800-yard season. His top-end speed has not been visible, and the burst he once showed has appeared inconsistent. Still, his pedigree and potential upside make him a strong candidate to lead the backfield.
Miles Sanders is also expected to carve out a role somewhere in this offense. The former Eagle was a productive do-it-all back early in his career and even had a 1,200-yard season in 2022, which allowed him to sign a lucrative contract with the Carolina Panthers. However, his production took an immediate dip, leading the team to start Chuba Hubbard and draft Jonathon Brooks. Sanders is a veteran back with receiving ability, something that is not a lot of currently in the building.
Jaydon Blue is who many believe is in line to take over this backfield at some point during the 2025 season. Blue has noticeable home-run speed and agility, and he is also an elite pass catcher. He has refinement needed in his vision and power, but he will likely be the yards-per-carry leader for the Cowboys. His dynamic skill set makes him a high-upside option even if he starts the year in a rotational role.
Those are the projected starting three running backs, leaving potentially one more to make the team or possibly a practice squad player. Deuce Vaughn will have to have an impressive training camp and preseason showcase if he expects to make this roster in some capacity. Vaughn is the smallest active NFL player, and the selection of six-foot-one, 230-pound Phil Mafah could make it a direct competition. It would be a shock to see the Cowboys carry both, given the limited roles available. Deuce is looking at an uphill battle to make the 53-man roster come August, and he is who I project to be the likely odd man out in this Cowboys backfield come Week One. Deuce Vaughn could collect some interest from teams across the NFL if he became available, as a practice squad signing or free agent deal. Vaughn is undersized but has solid vision and was a very productive college player, which may be enough for him to have an increased role somewhere other than Dallas.
