The Dallas Cowboys are going to be pulling out all the stops in 2024 to try to get to the Super Bowl. After three straight regular seasons of 12 wins (that failed to result in even an appearance in the NFC Championship Game) the pressure is being felt by everyone is Dallas’ organization.
One surprising move could change their rushing attack.
The Dallas Cowboys Land Unproven Running Back In Low Risk Trade Proposal
The 33rd Team proposed a number of trades that would be a “win-win” scenario for both teams. Running back Israel Abanikanda joining Dallas made the list:
Cowboys Roll the dice on Israel Abanikanda
Trade details: Cowboys acquire RB Israel Abanikanda, Jets acquire 2025 6th-round pick
The Dallas Cowboys have the NFL’s worst running back room. Trading for Israel Abanikanda doesn’t completely resolve that issue, but the electric slasher would add much-needed juice to the run game. As of now, Ezekiel Elliott will soak up early-down snaps, and then it’s up to the uninspiring duo of Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn for explosive plays.
Instead, Abanikanda can be this team’s 2022 version of Tony Pollard. Abanikanda has routinely created chunk plays since his days at Pitt, and this preseason has highlighted his ability to sprint into the open field. He averaged 6.1 yards per carry, totaling 129 yards on 21 carries with two touchdowns.
New York Jets 2023 Round 5 RB Israel Abanikanda led all running backs in PFF rushing grade this preseason.
You can watch all 23 preseason touches for the Year 2 RB here: pic.twitter.com/FErCrG0O10
— Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) August 26, 2024
New York could use the playmaking but has continued to throw assets at the running back position despite having Abanikanda. 2024 rookies Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis are more recent investments and are projected for specific roles. Trading for Abanikanda shouldn’t cost much since he’ll be on the roster bubble.
Dallas certainly needs a long-term answer at running back sooner rather than later. Could Abanikanda be that answer?
While Abanikanda has had limited NFL experience, he blew up during his final season in college:
| Rushing | Receiving | Scrimmage | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | School | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Att | Yds | Avg | TD | Rec | Yds | Avg | TD | Plays | Yds | Avg | TD |
| 2020 | Pitt | ACC | FR | RB | 7 | 28 | 95 | 3.4 | 1 | 2 | 11 | 5.5 | 1 | 30 | 106 | 3.5 | 2 |
| *2021 | Pitt | ACC | SO | RB | 13 | 123 | 651 | 5.3 | 7 | 24 | 197 | 8.2 | 1 | 147 | 848 | 5.8 | 8 |
| *2022 | Pitt | ACC | JR | RB | 11 | 239 | 1431 | 6.0 | 20 | 12 | 146 | 12.2 | 1 | 251 | 1577 | 6.3 | 21 |
| Career | Pitt | 390 | 2177 | 5.6 | 28 | 38 | 354 | 9.3 | 3 | 428 | 2531 | 5.9 | 31 | ||||
Dallas could easily part with a late round draft pick for the opportunity to land their running back of the future.
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