Cowboys Urged to Trade for Reunion With 1,000-Yard Rusher
When it comes to putting together potential trades for the Cowboys as the NFL deadline for deals approaches, it makes sense to add to what has been a terrible defense, a unit that ranks second-to-last in points allowed and yards allowed. The Cowboys need cornerback and safety help, they need linebacker help, they need pass-rush help and they need defensive line help. That’s pretty much every unit on the D covered.
But there is a chance that the Cowboys could add to their already potent offense, and instead of bringing in better personnel on defense, simply lean into their strength. The team lost RB2 Miles Sanders to knee and ankle injuries, and they’re in need of a change-of-pace guy behind Javonte Williams.
The Cowboys have had some nice change-of-pace options in the recent past, and while getting back Rico Dowdle is out of the question, they could trade to reunite with one of their better RB1/2s from recent years: Tony Pollard.
Cowboys Could Use a Backup RB
That’s the notion from the Dallas Morning News and writer Joseph Hoyt, who pegs Pollard as the last on his list of potential Cowboys trade targets for next Tuesday. While the list features the expected two linebackers and two edge rushers, it also features two running backs to replace Sanders.
One is Jets star Breece Hall, who could be available because he is a pending free agent on a rebuilding team. But Hall is good enough to likely require a significant outlay of draft assets, which the Cowboys would be unwilling to do for a backup runner. “This could be a rental with the hopes of a compensatory pick in the future. It would certainly help in the meantime, however,” Hoyt notes.
As things stand, the Cowboys’ top backup for Williams is rookie Jaydon Blue, who has struggled to make an impact this year. He has made just 22 carries for 65 yards in four games thus far.
Tony Pollard ‘Was Excellent in Dallas’
But as for Pollard, the Titans are going nowhere and need a major roster overhaul. Pollard bolted Dallas for a three-year, $21 million contract in Tennessee after first serving as a combo with Ezekiel Ellliott and then getting the starting job to himself. Pollard ran for 1,007 yards in 2022 and 1,005 yards in 2023 for Dallas.
“Tony Pollard was excellent in Dallas when he spelled Ezekiel Elliott. Could he do the same for Williams? Just a thought,” Hoyt wrote on Wednesday.
Pollard is on the books for next season at more than $9 million, but that’s not guaranteed, and he could be cut after this year with just $2 million in dead cap, per Spotrac.
Kevin Stefanski Fires Back at Critics Calling Browns Weaker Than Jets, Declares His Team Ready to Prove Everyone Wrong in Crucial Matchup
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski has responded forcefully to critics who have labeled his team as the underdog in their upcoming matchup against the New York Jets. Despite the widespread perception that the Jets have the upper hand, Stefanski made it clear that he believes his team is more than capable of competing and succeeding against the Jets.
“It’s disrespectful to underestimate our team,” Stefanski said in a recent press conference. “We’ve worked hard, and we have the talent and determination to win. The Jets are a solid team, but we are not going to back down. We’ve got a lot of guys who are ready to step up and prove people wrong.”
Stefanski emphasized that the Browns’ roster, while facing some challenges, is built to compete at the highest level, with players who are committed to executing the game plan and fighting for every win. He pointed out that the team has faced adversity before and has shown resilience in overcoming it.
“Every week in the NFL is a challenge,” Stefanski continued. “The Jets are a good team, but we’ve got great players and coaches who are prepared. We’ve been working hard to ensure we’re ready for whatever comes our way. It’s about execution, and we’re focused on doing our job and not worrying about the outside noise.”
While many have pointed to the Jets’ strong defense and recent performances, Stefanski’s confidence in the Browns’ capabilities highlights the belief within the organization that they can take on any opponent. The Browns head coach is determined to lead his team to prove that they are not the weaker side in this matchup, and they are prepared to leave it all on the field.
The Browns will face the Jets with a chip on their shoulder, and Stefanski’s message to the team and the fans is clear: they are ready to show the league that they are a force to be reckoned with, regardless of the critics' predictions. As the game approaches, the Browns will look to silence the doubters and make a statement in this crucial matchup.
