Cowboys’ Plan to Secure Elite Running Back Set to Go Up in Flames as Newly Interested Team Emerges

The Dallas Cowboys have long been a team that prided itself on having a dominant rushing attack, rooted in a strong offensive line and featuring top-tier running backs. For years, the Cowboys’ running back corps was led by Ezekiel Elliott, who quickly rose to stardom after being drafted fourth overall in the 2016 NFL Draft. Elliott’s performance helped Dallas maintain one of the league’s best offenses, with his blend of power running, vision, and receiving skills out of the backfield. However, in recent seasons, Elliott’s performance has declined, and the Cowboys found themselves looking for their next elite back.

In 2025, the Cowboys have made it clear that they want to add a superstar running back, someone who can help elevate their offense and provide balance to quarterback Dak Prescott’s aerial attack. With the emergence of a few key names in free agency and the draft, Dallas had positioned itself as a serious contender to land one of these high-caliber talents. But now, a new twist has emerged that could derail their plans: a newly interested team, with deep pockets and a serious need for a star running back, is reportedly ready to swoop in.

The Cowboys’ Pursuit of an Elite Running Back

The Cowboys’ backfield in 2025 has been a hot topic of discussion. With the departure of Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas was left with a committee of running backs, including Tony Pollard, who showed flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency. Pollard’s speed and vision are assets, but he’s not a true every-down back in the mold of some of the NFL’s elite players.

Dallas’ offensive coordinator, Mike McCarthy, has emphasized the importance of a balanced attack, meaning that finding a top-tier running back to complement Prescott and take some of the pressure off the passing game is a priority. The Cowboys’ front office, led by general manager Jerry Jones, has been actively involved in discussions surrounding potential trade targets and free-agent acquisitions. There were hopes that the team could land one of the most coveted backs in the league, such as Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, or even a younger prospect through the draft.

With the Cowboys’ solid core of wide receivers, a rising star in tight end Jake Ferguson, and a strong offensive line, adding a dynamic running back could make them one of the most potent offenses in the NFC. The Cowboys were poised to pounce on this opportunity, ready to open their checkbook for a game-changing back, or package a deal to land one in a trade.

Enter the New Contender: A Team with Even More Resources

Just as it seemed like the Cowboys were set to land their star back, a new team has emerged from the shadows, potentially willing to outbid them for one of these elite running backs. According to multiple reports, the Miami Dolphins have expressed serious interest in acquiring a top-tier back, with the motivation to strengthen their offensive lineup for a potential Super Bowl run.

Miami, led by head coach Mike McDaniel, has one of the most explosive offenses in the league, thanks to their dynamic quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, speedsters like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, and a fast-paced system that thrives on big plays. However, the team has been lacking a consistent, bell-cow running back. While Raheem Mostert has shown flashes of brilliance, he is nearing the end of his career, and the Dolphins have not had the kind of power back that can carry the load in both the running and passing game.

With deep pockets and a clear vision for their future, the Dolphins are willing to make a splash in free agency or through a trade to acquire a running back who can complement their high-octane passing attack. The team has reportedly already engaged in discussions with agents for running backs like Josh Jacobs and Saquon Barkley, looking to bring one of these stars to South Beach.

What makes the Dolphins a serious threat to the Cowboys’ plans is not just their financial flexibility but also their situation. The Dolphins are considered one of the most up-and-coming teams in the AFC, with a potent offense and a defense that, under coach Vic Fangio, could be set to take a leap in 2025. Miami’s playoff window is wide open, and they are determined to give Tagovailoa the best chance to succeed, which means adding a true superstar to their backfield could push them over the top.

The Impact of the Dolphins’ Interest

If the Dolphins are serious about landing a star running back, it could be a game-changer for the Cowboys. The Cowboys, while a strong contender in the NFC, are in a competitive division with teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants, both of whom have strengthened their rosters in recent years. Meanwhile, the Dolphins, in a rapidly improving AFC East, would only need one more big piece to elevate them to elite status. The addition of a star running back could be that final piece.

The Cowboys, while certainly capable of making a deal or offer, could be outbid by Miami’s superior financial flexibility and the fact that the Dolphins are in a better position to win now. Adding a superstar back would immediately make Miami even more dangerous, whereas the Cowboys might be forced to consider other options, such as signing a secondary free-agent back or making a trade for a lesser-known player.

For the Cowboys, the race for an elite running back now feels like a sprint against a well-funded, aggressive competitor. And while the Cowboys have a rich history of success, their plans could be upended by Miami’s clear and present interest in one of these premier talents.

The Cowboys’ Next Steps

With the Dolphins entering the picture, the Cowboys will need to adjust their strategy. While Jerry Jones and the Cowboys’ front office are known for being aggressive in the market, they may find themselves having to get creative to land the player they want. This could involve negotiating a trade or possibly even taking a more long-term approach by drafting a back and allowing him to develop behind Pollard.

Another consideration for the Cowboys is the possibility of pivoting to other positions of need if they miss out on a running back. With their offensive line in need of slight improvements and depth in the defensive backfield also an area of concern, the Cowboys could choose to diversify their investments and strengthen other areas of their roster. Ultimately, how the Cowboys respond to the challenge from the Dolphins could shape the trajectory of their 2025 season and beyond.

The Dallas Cowboys’ plan to secure an elite running back, one who could help propel them to a Super Bowl, has hit an unexpected roadblock. The Miami Dolphins, with their considerable resources and a pressing need for a star in the backfield, have emerged as a serious contender in the race for one of the NFL’s top rushers. Now, with both teams vying for a potential franchise-altering player, the outcome of this battle could have massive implications not only for their respective rosters but also for their chances of contention in 2025. The Cowboys may need to rethink their approach and adjust their plans accordingly, but one thing is clear: the competition for a game-changing running back just got a lot more intense.