The Dallas Cowboys have signed veteran NFL running back Royce Freeman to a one-year deal. Freeman, 28, was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft and had his best season in 2018 with 521 rushing yards and five touchdowns. However, his production has declined in recent years, with his last stand-out season in 2021 when he rushed for 319 yards and two touchdowns with the Los Angeles Rams.
Freeman will now join a Cowboys running back room that lacks experience, with last year’s starter Tony Pollard signing a deal with the Tennessee Titans. The remaining running backs on the roster include Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, Malik Davis, and Snoop Conner, none of whom have extensive experience or impressive stats. The addition of Freeman does not necessarily mean the Cowboys won’t look to add another running back via the draft or free agency. There are still viable options available, such as JK Dobbins, Jerick McKinnon, and former Cowboys star Ezekiel Elliott, who could potentially fill the void of a true No. 1 running back for the team.
The Cowboys’ decision to sign Freeman comes at a time when the team is looking to strengthen their running back corps and potentially find a reliable starter. With the departure of Pollard to the Titans, the Cowboys are in need of a player who can step up and lead the rushing attack. Freeman’s experience in the league and past success make him a solid addition to the team, despite his recent decline in production. The Cowboys will likely continue to explore other options to add depth and talent to their running back group.
Freeman’s signing with the Cowboys marks a new chapter in his NFL career, as he looks to revitalize his performance and contribute positively to his new team. Joining a new organization with different coaching staff and teammates could provide Freeman with a fresh start and new opportunities to showcase his skills on the field. The Cowboys will be looking to maximize Freeman’s potential and integrate him into their offensive schemes to help bolster their running game and provide support for their quarterback Dak Prescott.
Overall, the addition of Royce Freeman to the Dallas Cowboys provides the team with a veteran presence in their running back room and adds depth to their roster. While Freeman may not be the answer to their search for a true No. 1 running back, he brings experience and a track record of success in the league. The Cowboys will continue to explore their options in free agency and the draft to further strengthen their running back group and improve their overall offensive performance. Freeman’s signing represents a step towards enhancing the Cowboys’ backfield and potentially filling the void left by Tony Pollard’s departure.
