In a bold move to bolster their running back depth, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has orchestrated a trade to acquire Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert, parting with a conditional 2026 sixth-round pick that could escalate to a fifth based on performance metrics like snap counts or yards gained. The trade, finalized ahead of the NFL’s November 4, 2025, trade deadline, addresses a critical need in the Cowboys’ backfield following the season-ending injury to Miles Sanders.
The Cowboys’ rushing attack has leaned heavily on Javonte Williams, who has been a standout, ranking third in the NFL with 447 rushing yards through Week 5 of the 2025 season. However, Sanders, the team’s second-leading rusher with 117 yards and a touchdown, is now out for the year. With only rookie Jaydon Blue and fullback Hunter Luepke registering carries (a combined five rushes) and practice-squadder Malik Davis as depth, the Cowboys were in dire need of a reliable RB2. Rookie Phil Mafah, currently on short-term injured reserve, has yet to play in a regular-season game, further thinning the rotation.
“The loss of Sanders leaves the Cowboys rather thin at the position,” noted Todd Brock of Cowboys Wire on October 10, 2025. “It’s entirely possible that going out and making a move for an experienced ballcarrier just became a priority for the Cowboys as they sit on a very tenuous 2-2-1 record.”
At 33, Mostert is no longer in his prime, but his resume speaks volumes. The veteran running back, who signed a one-year, $1.6 million deal with the Raiders in March 2025 after being released by the Miami Dolphins, brings a wealth of experience and proven production. Mostert’s career highlight came in the 2019 NFC Championship Game with the San Francisco 49ers, where he erupted for 220 rushing yards and four touchdowns, cementing his reputation as a clutch postseason performer.
In 2023, Mostert showcased his enduring talent, surpassing 1,000 rushing yards and leading the NFL with 21 total touchdowns. Even in a limited role with the Raiders this season—11 carries for 84 yards, averaging an impressive 7.6 yards per carry—Mostert has shown he can still be a difference-maker. His reduced workload in Las Vegas, where he sits behind No. 6 overall pick Ashton Jeanty, and his status as a healthy scratch in some games, made him an ideal trade candidate.
The trade’s structure—a conditional 2026 sixth-round pick—reflects Jones’ knack for securing talent without breaking the bank. Mostert’s $1.6 million cap hit is manageable, and the Raiders, sitting at a dismal 1-4, are likely shifting into seller mode as the deadline approaches. For Las Vegas, moving a 33-year-old on an expiring contract for draft capital, even a mid-to-late-round pick, aligns with their rebuilding efforts.
The Cowboys, meanwhile, gain a proven veteran who can complement Williams’ bruising style with his own explosive playmaking. Mostert’s efficiency (7.6 yards per carry in 2025) and postseason pedigree make him a valuable addition for a team with playoff aspirations, despite their uneven start.
While Mostert alone won’t transform the Cowboys into Super Bowl contenders, he provides much-needed depth and reliability behind Williams. His ability to break off big runs, as evidenced by a 38-yard scamper highlighted by ClutchPoints on September 28, 2025, adds a dynamic element to the backfield. Moreover, his experience in high-stakes games could prove invaluable if Dallas makes a postseason push.
The trade also signals Jones’ willingness to adapt on the fly, a hallmark of his tenure as Cowboys owner. With the team teetering at 2-2-1, this move underscores a commitment to maximizing the 2025 season rather than standing pat with a depleted roster.
As the Cowboys integrate Mostert into their offensive scheme, fans will be eager to see how he meshes with Williams and the team’s passing game, led by Dak Prescott. While the “sacrifice” of a 2026 sixth-round pick is minimal, the acquisition of a 1,000-yard scoring “machine” like Mostert could pay dividends in the second half of the season. For now, Jerry Jones has made his move—time will tell if it’s the spark Dallas needs to turn their campaign around.