Running back
Ezekiel Elliott – 3 years remaining on a 4-year deal, $24.9 million (5th year option)
Alfred Morris – 1 years remaining on a 2-year deal, $3.5 million
Keith Smith – 1 year remaining on a 2-year deal, $1.29 million
Darren McFadden – Unrestricted free agent
Lance Dunbar – Unrestricted free agent
Evaluation: The Dallas Cowboys fan base was split on the decision as to whether or not the organization made the right decision to draft Ezekiel Elliott fourth overall. But, I don’t think they feel that way now after witnessing how much he can help this team.
Elliott is a 3-down/workhorse running back. He rarely comes off the field and didn’t really allow very many touches for the RBs behind him on the depth chart. I don’t expect that to change much next season either.
Alfred Morris never really received a chance to show what he could do behind the Cowboys offensive line in 2016. The few touches he did receive were positive for the most part. He’s not the type of running back that is going to break long runs. He is a more along the line of the type that will wear down defenses throughout the game.
I don’t think he will go anywhere next season, but the Cowboys may decide to try to find a younger option to back up Elliott in the off-season.
Darren McFadden and Lance Dunbar have probably seen their time with Dallas come to an end. Of the two, I think McFadden has the better chance of returning on a short-term deal. I just think the Cowboys would prefer to have him as the backup to Elliott.
