The Dallas Cowboys have bolstered their running back corps following the departure of Tony Pollard.
In a move reported by ESPN’s Todd Archer, the Cowboys secured a one-year agreement with seasoned running back Royce Freeman on Tuesday.
Freeman, who logged 319 rushing yards and two touchdowns last season with the Los Angeles Rams, brings a wealth of experience to the table. Originally drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft from Oregon, the 28-year-old had stints with the Broncos, Carolina Panthers, and Houston Texans before joining the Rams last offseason.
As the most seasoned player in the Cowboys’ running back lineup, Freeman joins Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn in Dallas, following Pollard’s departure to the Tennessee Titans in free agency. Despite Pollard’s impressive performances, the Cowboys, as reported by The Dallas Morning News’ Michael Gehlken, are anticipated to target a running back early in the upcoming NFL Draft.
While Freeman’s arrival bolsters the depth at the position, he isn’t viewed as a direct replacement for Pollard. The Cowboys are set to make selections with the No. 24 overall pick in the first round, as well as in the second and third rounds.
“When we’re all said and done, we max out our salary cap every year. We will have done that and what comes with having a good roster, which we do, we also are looking towards signing our own guys,” executive vice president Stephen Jones said on 105.3 The Fan, via ESPN.
“It doesn’t mean it happens overnight. But when you’re wanting to sign players like Dak [Prescott] and Micah [Parsons] and CeeDee [Lamb], then certainly you have to hold money back if you want to have a realistic chance of signing those guys.”
In addition to addressing the running back position, the Cowboys face other roster vacancies after the departures of left tackle Tyron Smith, center Tyler Biadasz, and defensive end Dorance Armstrong. With limited salary space available, the team is also considering contract extensions for quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb.
Freeman marks the Cowboys’ second outside free agent acquisition this offseason, alongside linebacker Eric Kendricks, also signed to a one-year deal last month. While further additions are expected, Freeman appears poised to seize a significant opportunity in Dallas this coming season, although the specifics of his role remain uncertain.
