Dallas Cowboys Urged To Sign Versatile Offensive Playmaker

The Dallas Cowboys brought back Ezekiel Elliott last week, but they could still use some help in their backfield.

Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox sees a potential solution in Jerick McKinnon.

The Cowboys were not able to sign a top-tier running back in free agency due to financial constraints, and they also struck out on one in the NFL Draft.

That leaves Dallas with Deuce Vaughn, Rico Dowdle and an aging, declining Elliott in its running back room, which is not exactly an enviable situation.

The team still has $4.5 million in cap room to make a move there, and it could almost certainly sign McKinnon for that price (or cheaper).

Is McKinnon an elite halfback? Hardly, but he is a versatile weapon who could potentially represent a steal for the Cowboys.

The 32-year-old spent the last three seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, with his best season coming in 2022 when he rushed for 291 yards and a touchdown while also hauling in 56 receptions for 512 yards and nine scores.

McKinnon, who played his collegiate football at Georgia Southern, was originally selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the third round of the 2014 NFL Draft.

He has never been a big-time rusher, topping out at 570 yards with the Vikings in 2017. However, his ability to catch passes out of the backfield has made him a valuable weapon when he has been healthy.

McKinnon is also experienced, as he has rushed for 291 yards and a touchdown while adding 38 catches for 326 yards and a score in 10 career playoff games.

We’ll see if the Cowboys try and turn to McKinnon as the offseason progresses.