Last season, the Dallas Cowboys struggled significantly with their running game, ranking among the worst in the NFL. If not for Rico Dowdle’s standout showing, they might have set a historic low. This year, the focus is on enhancing their rushing attack.

They brought in Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders through free agency, but with Dowdle moving to Carolina, their improvement over 2024 is minimal. Although the NFL draft appears to be their primary avenue for advancement, Sterling Xie of Pro Football Network suggests they could pursue the Buffalo Bills’ standout, James Cook.

Buffalo’s reluctance to extend Cook’s contract might open the door for a trade. In Dallas, Cook would not only fill a crucial role but also reunite with his former offensive coordinator. “Dallas has ties to Cook through Ken Dorsey, a Cowboys assistant who previously coordinated Cook’s offense in Buffalo until his dismissal after Week 10 of the 2023 season,” notes Xie.

Bringing Cook on board would be a major gain for Dallas, especially considering Saquon Barkley’s transformative impact on the Philadelphia Eagles’ offense. However, with a rookie class rich in running back talent, the more economical strategy could be to focus on the NFL draft. It’s well-known that Stephen and Jerry Jones are inclined towards the more cost-effective route.