The Dallas Cowboys’ running back situation has been a hot topic among fans, with many dreaming of seeing Jacksonville Jaguars’ star Travis Etienne donning the iconic blue and silver. However, recent reports have poured cold water on those hopes, revealing that the Cowboys are content with their current backfield and have no plans to pursue a blockbuster trade for Etienne or any other high-profile running back.
A Lackluster Run Game in Big D
The Cowboys’ ground game has been a sore spot in recent years. In 2024, Dallas ranked a dismal 27th in the NFL in rushing yards per game (100.3) and 30th in yards per carry (4.0). The departure of Rico Dowdle, who led the team with 1,079 rushing yards before joining the Carolina Panthers, and Ezekiel Elliott, now on the Los Angeles Chargers’ practice squad, left the Cowboys’ backfield in disarray. This lack of production has fueled speculation about potential upgrades, with Etienne’s name frequently surfacing in trade rumors.
Travis Etienne: A Star on the Decline?
Travis Etienne, the 25th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, was once a rising star in Jacksonville. The dynamic running back posted back-to-back 1,400-plus all-purpose-yard seasons in 2022 and 2023, earning him a spot on ESPN’s list of the NFL’s top 10 running backs, as voted by league executives. However, his 2024 campaign was a stark contrast, with a career-low 558 rushing yards in 15 games. Outshined by third-round pick Tank Bigsby and entering the final year of his rookie contract—worth over $6 million—Etienne has become a prime trade candidate, especially with the Jaguars’ new head coach, Liam Coen, potentially reshaping the roster.
Cowboys Shut Down Trade Rumors
Despite the allure of Etienne’s explosive potential, Cowboys Country and Athlon Sports’ Mike Fisher have reported that Dallas is not looking to upgrade its running back room. “At this time, rumors about Dallas pursuing a running back trade are ‘false,’” Fisher stated emphatically. The Cowboys are reportedly satisfied with their current trio of Miles Sanders, former Denver Bronco Javontae Williams, and rookie Jaydon Blue from the University of Texas. “It is Sanders and Williams and Blue,” Fisher wrote. “Any proposed move for another back right now simply doesn’t make any sense – at least from a perspective from inside The Star.”
This decision comes as a surprise to fans, especially after a 7-10 season in 2024 that saw Dallas miss the playoffs. With owner/general manager Jerry Jones known for bold moves—like the recent trade for dynamic wide receiver George Pickens—many expected a splashy acquisition to bolster the run game and push for a Super Bowl run.
Why Etienne to Dallas Made Sense
The Cowboys’ struggles in the run game are well-documented. Since Ezekiel Elliott’s departure to the New England Patriots after the 2022 season, Dallas has seen a steady decline in rushing production, dropping from ninth in the NFL in 2022 to 14th in 2023 and plummeting to 27th in 2024 after Tony Pollard’s exit to the Tennessee Titans. Adding a player of Etienne’s caliber could have been a game-changer, offering a dynamic complement to the Cowboys’ veteran-heavy offense, which now faces uncertainty with wideout/kick returner KaVontae Turpin’s recent arrest and potential suspension.
Under new offensive-minded head coach Brian Schottenheimer, who replaced Mike McCarthy, and with Sanders signed to a one-year deal, the Cowboys are clearly aware of the need for improvement. A trade for Etienne could have revitalized both the player and the team’s stagnant ground attack, creating a potent offensive trio alongside quarterback Dak Prescott and Pickens.
What’s Next for Dallas?
For now, the Cowboys are banking on Sanders, Williams, and Blue to turn things around. Sanders, a former Pro Bowler, brings experience, while Williams offers a bruising style, and Blue adds youthful promise. However, none have the proven star power of Etienne, leaving fans questioning whether this trio can elevate Dallas back to playoff contention.
As the off-season progresses, all eyes will be on The Star to see if Jerry Jones sticks to his current roster or makes a surprise move to shake up the backfield. For now, the Etienne-to-Dallas dream remains just that—a dream.