Cowboys Land Texans RB in Proposed Trade to Bolster Depth Behind Ezekiel Elliott

The Dallas Cowboys running backs committee could add one more body before the season begins.

The Cowboys are in need of capable depth in their backfield. With Week 1 around the corner, Dallas is set to rely on Ezekiel Elliott, Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, and newly-signed veteran Dalvin Cook to carry the load.

Logan Ulrich of NFL Trade Rumors identified Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce as a trade target for the Cowboys. He put the move on a wishlist of five trades he'd like to see happen before Week 1.

"Elliott’s career is on its last legs and while Dowdle has shown some juice in limited appearances, he has a long injury history dating back to college," Ulrich said. "The Cowboys were concerned enough about their backfield to sign RB Dalvin Cook to the practice squad, and he’s coming off a year where he averaged 3.2 yards per carry.

"Odds are the Cowboys are going to be on the lookout for help at running back at some point this season, so they might as well be proactive about the situation — even if we know proactive and Dallas don’t necessarily go together."

In his rookie season, Pierce quickly emerged as the Texans' top rusher, amassing 939 rushing yards and four touchdowns despite missing multiple games due to injury. Last season, he managed just 416 yards and two touchdowns.

Pierce's opportunities could be limited in Houston with Joe Mixon, Dare Ogunbowale, and Cam Akers in the Texans' RB rotation. Ulrich estimates that a late-round pick would be enough compensation to make a deal happen.

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