Dallas Cowboys rumors continue to speculate on what the team will do at running back in 2024. Tony Pollard’s play is picking up steam, but the Cowboys’ leading rusher will be a free agent this offseason.
Dallas could use the franchise tag on Pollard again, but the cost would be higher than the Cowboys would prefer. Joe Tansey of Bleacher Report suggests a few potential trade targets for the Cowboys. Alvin Kamara of the New Orleans Saints tops the list of potential candidates.
“This is more of a swing-for-the-fences idea than anything, but the potential acquisition of Alvin Kamara could upgrade the Dallas offense from the high level it is already playing at this season,” Tansey reported on December 13, 2023, with the headline, “Hypothetical Trades Cowboys Must Consider in 2024 NFL Offseason.”
“Under his current contract, the 28-year-old would command a high price, but that may be a risk the Cowboys are willing to take in order to make their offense as good as any in the league.”
“Dallas would almost certainly have to send a few draft picks back to New Orleans, and the potential cost may make this more fantasy than reality, but it is worth a shot, especially if Pollard signs elsewhere in the league.”
Cowboys Rumors: Alvin Kamara’s $75 million contract with the Saints makes a Dallas deal unlikely.
With Kamara signed to a five-year, $75 million contract, this is a “swing-for-the-fences” move. The suggestion comes as Dallas is less than a year away from terminating Ezekiel Elliott’s $90 million contract. This fence is probably too expensive for the Cowboys’ front office.
Kamara’s current contract expires after two seasons. The star running back is set to earn $10.2 million in salary and will have a massive $18.8 million cap hit in 2024
Given how cheap veteran running backs have become in free agency, it’s difficult to imagine the Cowboys being interested in this. The Saints have an out in Kamara’s contract this offseason, which could make things interesting.
This could give New Orleans some clout in pressuring Kamara to restructure his contract in order to facilitate a trade. As things currently stand, Kamara’s contract could make him a cap casualty.
Cowboys Final Thoughts: Pass on Saints Trade and Draft a Running Back
Kamara has a lengthy resume that includes five Pro Bowl appearances and being named the 2017 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. However, is the 28-year-old running back a current upgrade over Pollard? Especially since Pollard is likely to be younger and less expensive than Kamara’s large contract.
In 10 games this season, Kamara has 145 carries for 564 yards and 5 touchdowns. In addition, the playmaker has 63 receptions for 402 yards and one touchdown through the air.
If the Cowboys want to move on from Pollard, selecting a running back in the first two days of the NFL draft remains the best option. That doesn’t mean Dallas wouldn’t look into veteran free agents like Kamara if they became available for financial reasons.
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