The Dallas Cowboys’ 2024 season has seen its fair share of struggles, and their biggest issue may be the run game. Despite having solid talent at the running back position, the team ranks near the bottom of the league in nearly every rushing statistic. Many have called for the Cowboys to draft a running back to fix this issue, but one sports analyst believes they should take a different approach: sign Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon.
In a recent article, FanSided’s Rucker Haringey argued that Dillon could provide an immediate boost to the Cowboys’ ground game, claiming the team should prioritize signing him over using a high draft pick on Boise State star Ashton Jeanty, who is a candidate for this year’s Heisman Trophy.
“Assuming he’s healthy, Dillon checks a lot of boxes for a Cowboys offense that wants to be more physical at the line of scrimmage,” Haringey wrote. “He’s a classic bruising back who can punish opposing front sevens with his intense style of running. Green Bay really leveraged his size to punish defenses who tried to load the box to stymie their ground game.”
Dillon, who has spent most of his career as a secondary option behind Aaron Jones in Green Bay, has consistently shown he can handle the workload when called upon. The 25-year-old has accumulated 2,428 career rushing yards, 763 receiving yards, and 18 touchdowns despite never being the Packers’ feature back. His size (6’0″, 247 lbs) and hard-charging running style make him the kind of physical presence that could thrive in the Cowboys’ offense, which has often struggled to gain consistent yards on the ground.
Haringey suggests that while Jeanty may be an exciting draft option, especially given his impressive performance at Boise State, the Cowboys have more pressing needs elsewhere on their roster. With multiple holes to fill and a limited draft position, the Cowboys should consider a more strategic approach and not invest a first-round pick in a running back. Instead, Dillon could be an affordable and proven solution for their backfield, allowing the team to address other areas of need in the draft.
Jeanty, who has had a standout college career and is generating significant NFL buzz, is expected to be heavily linked to the Cowboys in mock drafts. However, Haringey emphasizes that Dallas should focus on acquiring running back depth without breaking the bank on a high draft pick. Dillon’s experience and established track record make him an intriguing free-agent option. The Cowboys could then use a later-round draft pick to secure a complementary back, potentially setting up a strong duo in the backfield for years to come.
If the Cowboys go this route, signing Dillon could be an affordable, effective solution to their running game woes while also allowing them to focus their draft efforts on other key positions, such as offensive line and secondary. With a solid running back already on the roster and a stable of young, hungry players behind him, Dillon could be the veteran presence the Cowboys need to take their offense to the next level.
