Cowboys may trade for a new $8 million starting running back

The Dallas Cowboys Cowboys still need a starting running back and might have to trade for one.

Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine wrote about potential trade options for the Cowboys to make a big move before the 2024 NFL draft. He mentioned Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams.

and the trade proposal involving Dallas sending their third-round pick (No. 87 overall) to Denver for Williams. If this happens, Williams could be the Cowboys' starting running back in Week 1.

Ballentine mentioned in a March 27, 2024 story that they should consider the trade market and that Williams could be a logical target due to his contract and potential.

Williams has one year left on his contract with a $1.9 million salary. While injuries have affected his early NFL career, he still has the potential for a successful season if he's healthy.

Cowboys rumors highlight the possibility of Javonte Williams becoming a new potential starter for Dallas.

The argument for the Cowboys giving up a mid-round draft pick for Williams is based on his upside, despite his early career being affected by injuries.

Williams had 1,219 total yards in his rookie season but suffered injuries in his second season, leading to a decline in performance. The Cowboys would be able to acquire him at a lower value with potential for a breakout season two years after the injury.

The Cowboys might benefit from buying Williams at a low value and potentially seeing him have a successful season after recovering from his injury.

It may be better for the Dallas Cowboys to draft a running back rather than trade for a veteran.

During NFL free agency, Dallas has only re-signed Rico Dowdlewithout making any other moves at running back, despite the deep running back market.

This decision is surprising given the loss of former starter Tony Pollard to the to the Tennessee Titans.The Cowboys could still turn to the NFL draft to find their next RB1.

In 2023, Williams played 16 games for the Broncos, with 13 starts, posting 217 carries for 774 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns. He also had 47 catches for 228 yards and 2 TDs.

Acquiring Williams would be a reasonable financial commitment for Dallas, as he's entering the final season of an $8.8 million contract with a $2.8 million cap hit for 2024. This is much less than the $10 million Pollard had last season.The idea of giving up a third-round pick for Williams seems too much, considering the possibility of finding a potential starter with this selection without needing to give up a draft pick through a trade.

A rookie option would likely have less risk of injury and wouldn't require Dallas to give up a draft pick via trade.