Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys cleaned up during the 2026 NFL Draft and have seven new rookies ready to step into the action. In general, the team is looking strong and got positive grades for their draft class, but the Cowboys still have a roster hole to fill.
They have a few soft spots in the lineup that could be addressed before September, actually, but one isn’t getting the attention it deserves.
The Cowboys have a strong starting running back in Javonte Williams, who’s obviously RB1 and signed a three-year, $24 million deal with the franchise in February. But they still have a situational need at the position.
Cowboys need to add running back talent to their roster
The situation isn’t dire, but the Cowboys don’t have comfortable depth behind Williams, and that could come back to bite them if he gets injured. Plus, they rely on him too much, which led to him suffering shoulder and neck injuries last season after carrying a huge workload.
Dallas has Malik Davis, Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah, but they need a veteran behind Williams.
Thankfully for the Cowboys, there’s a veteran free agent running back still looking for his NFL home. Nick Chubb, who parted ways with Houston after last season, is still on the market, and he would provide the veteran depth that the Cowboys’ running back room needs.
Last season, Chubb, 30, appeared in 15 games, rushed for more than 500 yards and had three touchdowns, according to ESPN research. He’s still delivering at a high level of performance and could be the running back assurance the Cowboys need.
Whether it’s Chubb or someone else, Dallas simply needs a veteran running back to add backfield help and help develop the younger players. It’s one of those under-the-radar needs that could become a real problem if it isn’t addressed before September.
