Cowboys Encouraged to Trade for Former 1,100-Yard Running Back Dameon Pierce
The Dallas Cowboys recently hosted free agent running back Dalvin Cook for a workout, and while Cook left without signing a contract, his visit sent a clear message: the Cowboys’ confidence in their current running back “committee” may not be as strong as they claim.
Following the final roster cuts that reduced the Cowboys to their 53-man roster, the team is left with Ezekiel Elliott at the top of the depth chart, supported by Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn. Hunter Luepke remains in the mix as a fullback. However, this lineup appears insufficient. According to Pro Football Focus, the Cowboys’ running back group ranks as the worst in the NFL, with Elliott’s 67.6 grade last season—spent with the New England Patriots—placing him 40th out of 59 running backs. Dowdle’s grade of 66.6 positioned him 43rd, while Vaughn’s limited play resulted in a concerning 46.4 overall grade from just 61 offensive snaps.
Given these challenges, Bleacher Report has suggested that the Cowboys consider making a trade for Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce. In a recent article, Alex Kay proposed that Dallas could acquire Pierce for just a sixth-round draft pick—a potential steal for a player with Pierce’s upside.
Why Dameon Pierce Could Be the Answer for Dallas
Dameon Pierce, a fourth-round pick out of Florida in 2022, showcased significant potential during his rookie season, rushing for over 1,100 yards. Though his production dipped in his sophomore season, where he managed only 416 yards on 145 carries, Pierce’s rookie campaign still demonstrated his ability to be a valuable asset in the NFL.
Kay argues that Pierce represents “good hidden value” and suggests that the Cowboys should take a chance on a resurgence. He highlights that, at worst, Pierce could provide solid depth behind Elliott and Dowdle, but at best, he could regain his form and potentially become Dallas’ starting running back for years to come. Trading a Day 3 draft pick for such potential could offer a significant return on investment for the Cowboys.
Pierce’s Struggles and Potential for Redemption
Pierce’s 2023 season was disappointing, particularly after his promising rookie year. Injuries and the emergence of Devin Singletary saw Pierce’s role in the Texans’ offense diminish. Despite being known for his “angry” running style—a trait that new Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik admired—Pierce found himself on the bench more often than not, especially after suffering an injury in Week 7. By the end of the season, Pierce was averaging just 2.9 yards per carry and saw action in only 32% of the Texans’ snaps.
Still, Pierce’s talent is undeniable. During his rookie season, he rushed for 939 yards over 13 games, averaging 4.3 yards per carry, and scored four rushing touchdowns. He also added 165 receiving yards and another touchdown. Had it not been for an ankle injury that sidelined him for the final four games, Pierce would have easily surpassed the 1,000-yard mark.
At just 24 years old, Pierce still has plenty of upside, making him a prime candidate for a trade. The Cowboys, who are in dire need of bolstering their running back depth, could find Pierce to be an ideal fit—a young, hungry player with the potential to rejuvenate his career in Dallas.
As the Cowboys look to improve their chances for the upcoming season, a trade for Pierce could provide the spark they need in the backfield, offering both immediate depth and the possibility of long-term success.
