The Dallas Cowboys’ rushing attack was a glaring weakness last season, ranking a dismal 27th in the NFL with just 1,705 yards and tying for 30th in yards per carry at a paltry 4.0. This lackluster ground game forced the team to lean heavily on the passing game, a strategy that crumbled when backup quarterbacks took the helm for half the season. However, new head coach Brian Schottenheimer is determined to turn things around, emphasizing a robust running game as a cornerstone of his vision. At the NFL scouting combine in February, Schottenheimer made his intentions clear: “No, at the end of the day, you have to be able to run the football. We’ve made a commitment that we want to be great on both sides of the line of scrimmage.”
The Cowboys have already taken steps to bolster their backfield by signing running backs Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams in free agency. While these additions are promising, the team should not stop there. To truly transform their rushing attack and elevate their offense, Dallas must pursue a trade for Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce before training camp begins on July 22, 2025. Pierce’s proven production, versatility, and untapped potential make him the missing piece the Cowboys need to dominate on the ground.
Why Dameon Pierce Is the Answer
At first glance, some Cowboys fans might question the necessity of adding Pierce to a backfield that already includes Sanders and Williams. Reports from OTAs and minicamp suggest Sanders has looked explosive, while Williams is expected to fill the role of a bruising, physical runner. However, non-padded practices like OTAs and minicamp are unreliable indicators of true performance. As training camp approaches, the physicality of padded practices will reveal whether Sanders can replicate his early promise or revert to the inconsistent form he displayed with the Carolina Panthers. To hedge against this uncertainty, Dallas should proactively pursue Pierce, whose track record and skill set make him an ideal fit.
Over three NFL seasons, Pierce has amassed 1,648 rushing yards on 405 carries, scored eight touchdowns, and forced an impressive 45 broken tackles. His standout rookie season with the Texans in 2022 saw him rush for 939 yards on 220 carries, with four touchdowns and 27 broken tackles, showcasing his ability to be a lead back. While his production dipped in subsequent years due to reduced opportunities in Houston’s crowded backfield, Pierce’s efficiency and physical running style remain undeniable. A fresh start in Dallas would give him the chance to reclaim his role as a primary rusher and elevate the Cowboys’ ground game to new heights.
Beyond Rushing: Pierce’s Versatility
Pierce’s value extends beyond his rushing prowess. He is a proven asset in the return game, an area where depth is always valuable. Over the past two seasons, Pierce has returned 16 kicks for 564 yards and one touchdown, averaging an NFL-best 35.3 yards per return among players with at least five returns per season. While the Cowboys already have KaVontae Turpin as their primary returner, adding Pierce provides insurance and flexibility, especially under the NFL’s evolving kickoff rules, which could increase the importance of dynamic returners.
A Win-Win Trade Scenario
Acquiring Pierce would benefit both the Cowboys and the Texans. Houston’s running back depth chart is stacked, leaving Pierce as an underutilized asset. A trade to Dallas would give him the opportunity to shine as a lead back while providing the Texans with draft capital or a complementary piece to address other needs. For the Cowboys, Pierce’s addition would create a formidable three-headed backfield alongside Sanders and Williams, offering a blend of speed, power, and versatility that could overwhelm opposing defenses.
The Cowboys’ front office, led by Jerry and Stephen Jones, has a history of bold moves to address roster weaknesses. Trading for Pierce would align perfectly with Schottenheimer’s commitment to building a dominant rushing attack. The cost of acquiring Pierce is likely to be reasonable, given his reduced role in Houston, making this a low-risk, high-reward opportunity for Dallas.
The Time to Act Is Now
With training camp just weeks away, the Cowboys cannot afford to wait. Pierce’s 1,648 career rushing yards and 45 broken tackles are proof of his ability to transform Dallas’ backfield. His combination of power, elusiveness, and return game prowess makes him a perfect fit for a team looking to balance its offense and reduce its reliance on the passing game. By securing Pierce now, the Cowboys can enter the 2025 season with a revitalized ground attack capable of powering them to playoff contention.
Jerry and Stephen Jones must pick up the phone and make the call to Houston. An unexpected contract for Dameon Pierce could change everything for the Cowboys—and his 1,648 yards prove he’s worth the investment.