After sitting out the initial phase of the running back carousel, the Cowboys have finally added to the position. According to ESPN’s Todd Archer, the Cowboys have signed veteran Royce Freeman. It’s a one-year deal for the running back.
The Cowboys have seen some massive turnover in their backfield over the past year. After moving on from Ezekiel Elliott last offseason, the Cowboys weren’t able to retain Tony Pollard this year. While a long list of free agent RBs switched teams, the Cowboys ended up sticking with a current grouping that’s led by Deuce Vaughn and Rico Dowdle.
While it’s no guarantee that Freeman will slide atop the depth chart in Dallas, the 28-year-old brings much more experience than his two newest teammates. Freeman has seen time in 79 career games, and while he hasn’t been able to replicate his early-career success in Denver, he’s still been serviceable in recent years. He most recently got into 14 games with the Rams last season, collecting 319 yards and two touchdowns on 77 carries.
While his 2023 performance was fine for a backup, the Cowboys will surely be seeking more upside from their running game. It shouldn’t be a huge surprise that Archer notes that today’s signing doesn’t take the Cowboys out of the running for an early-round rookie RB. Archer even says the Cowboys could look to add more depth via free agency.