After five years with the Dallas Cowboys, running back Lance Dunbar will get ply his trade with a new team. He has agreed to a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Rams.
This will be the second consecutive season that Dunbar has had to play on a one-year deal. Last season, after interviewing with some other teams in free agency, Lance returned to Dallas at about $1.75 million for 2016. His new contract with the Rams will reportedly pay up to $3 million with incentive bonuses.
#Rams and RB Lance Dunbar agreed to a 1-year deal worth up to $3m, source told ESPN.
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) March 16, 2017
With Todd Gurley having a severe sophmore slump last season, Los Angeles should give Dunbar more opportunities to find playing time. He had a hard time getting touches last season with Ezekiel Elliott dominating the field for the Cowboys.
Lance Dunbar’s best days in Dallas were the early part of 2015. In just four games, Dunbar had 21 catches and was starting to look like our own version of Darren Sproles. Unfortunately, a knee injury ended his potentially breakout season.
With Dunbar gone, the Cowboys lose a versatile and experienced roleplayer in their offense and special teams. Lance was able to play out of the backfield, line up at receiver, and even return kickoffs if needed.
Currently, Dallas has Elliott, Alfred Morris, and Rod Smith signed for their 2017 running back depth chart. Darren McFadden is still unsigned as a free agent and has been rumored to be a target for the Cowboys, but nothing’s happened yet.
Honestly, as likeable as he Dunbar is, it has been hard to maintain any excitement about him as a player. He spends as much time off the field as on it so I am glad we have moved on. I’m excited to see how the backfield will take shape in 2017. Had hoped we would take a run at Rex Burkhead but I think there are some late round guys in the draft that can get the job done.