The Dallas Cowboys’ ground game was a glaring weak spot last season, limping along as one of the NFL’s least effective rushing attacks. Determined to flip the script, the Cowboys shook up their running back room this offseason, waving goodbye to Rico Dowdle and rolling out the welcome mat for veterans Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders. These two will slug it out for the starting role, while rookies Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah are eager to carve out their own place in the rotation. It’s a recipe for an intriguing training camp battle—but there’s no guarantee this revamped unit will deliver the explosive run game Dallas desperately needs.
Enter Travis Etienne Jr., the Jacksonville Jaguars’ dynamic playmaker who could be the key to transforming the Cowboys’ offense into a force to be reckoned with. Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox is sounding the alarm, urging Dallas to pick up the phone and inquire about Etienne’s availability. “The Cowboys should already be calling about Etienne,” Knox writes, pointing to the uncertainty surrounding Williams and Sanders, whose recent performances have left plenty of question marks. With a post-draft willingness to make bold moves, Dallas could seize this opportunity to land a proven star.
Etienne’s resume speaks for itself. The former first-round pick racked up over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his first two NFL seasons, showcasing a rare blend of speed, agility, and vision that makes him a nightmare for defenses. While his 2024 campaign saw a dip to 558 yards—largely due to the emergence of Tank Bigsby and Jacksonville’s addition of rookies Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr. in the draft—Etienne remains a versatile weapon. His ability to gash defenses on the ground and make plays as a receiver out of the backfield makes him a perfect fit for a Cowboys offense craving a spark.
Adding Etienne wouldn’t just bolster Dallas’ running game; it would bring instant credibility and balance to an offense that’s leaned heavily on its passing attack. His presence would also complement the Cowboys’ youth movement, allowing Blue and Mafah to develop without the pressure of carrying the load. A backfield featuring Etienne’s explosiveness alongside the potential of Dallas’ rookies could keep defenses guessing and open up the playbook for Dak Prescott.
The Cowboys have a chance to make a statement by pursuing Etienne, a player who’s proven he can dominate with ease. If Dallas wants to shed the stigma of a suspect ground game and elevate their offense to elite status, this is the move to make. The phone lines to Jacksonville should already be buzzing—Etienne could be the whirlwind that turns the Cowboys’ season around.