After all of our free agency woes, the Cowboys finally inked a deal today to bring in a 1,000 yard receiver. Well, actually, not a receiver. And, not actually 1,000 yards, but he was on pace to get that.
In any event, the Cowboys signed Lance Dunbar to a one year contract on Thursday. According to Adam Caplan and Adam Schefter of ESPN, the one year deal is worth up to $1.75 million.
RB Lance Dunbar is re-signing with Cowboys for 1 season at $1.75 million, per @caplannfl.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 17, 2016
The Cowboys have showed faith, and patience, in Dunbar as a secret offensive weapon ever since he got to Dallas in 2012. As an undrafted free agent, Dunbar attended training camp with the Cowboys in 2012, and went on to make the practice squad that season. He was later promoted to the active squad where he played a role as a rotational running back, and special teams gunner.
When healthy, Dunbar could arguably be tagged as one of the most versitile running backs in football. However, that’s a big “when.”
After struggling with injuries off and on throughout his first four seasons, Dunbar will likely have a year to prove that he can put them behind him, stay healthy, and provide a solid offensive spark.
The Cowboys use Dunbar in a variety of ways, most notably being his receiving abilities on screens, and his return abilities on special teams.
With Darren McFadden turning 29 this August, and the lack of high profile pickups in free agency, if Dallas doesn’t go after a running back high in the draft, Dunbar could be in line for a breakout season.
You sound hopeful Ian. First of all I have not seen any updates on Dunbar's injury. I would like to know if he is going to be fully ready. And frankly I would temper my enthusiasm on his prospective output for the season. In 4 seasons he has had The opportunity to play in 64 games. He has played in 41 of those games missing 23. Of 4 seasons he has only played one full season! I was on the train calling for Bilal Powell to come in and replace Dunbar. Dunbar is a good guy but hard to place any reliance on a guy that can't stay in the lineup.