The Dallas Cowboys lost the NFL's leading rusher in DeMarco Murray this offseason, though they aren't losing sleep over it. Owner Jerry Jones said recently that the team's running game will be even better in 2015 without him.
That may be a bit of a stretch.
The Cowboys ranked second in the NFL in rushing yards per game (147.1) and yards per carry (4.63), and third in carries (31.8) last year. Those numbers are going to be hard to duplicate, even with an offensive line that features three first round picks in Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick and Zack Martin.
But assuming Joseph Randle, Darren McFadden and the team's other ball-carriers don't work out, which is possible, a pre-season trade for a running back is not out of the question.
"...the Cowboys don't trust Randle either - not yet anyway," ESPN's Jean-Jacques Taylor wrote.
"That's why there's a feeling around the club's Valley Ranch training complex that if they get to training camp and none of the team's runners distinguish themselves, it wouldn't be surprising for the Cowboys to make a move.
"The Cowboys have the cap space and assets to make a trade. Jerry has said he'd part ways with a first-round pick in 2016 or a player such as [left guard Ron] Leary.
"Randle and the other running backs will get every opportunity to win the job, but if the Cowboys ultimately don't believe any of them can get it done, then Jerry will find someone who can.
"And that's not hyperbole."
The most common name mentioned when discussing a Cowboys trade for a running back is Minnesota's Adrian Peterson. Although the Vikings have maintained that they are not willing to deal the former MVP-winning rusher, they may also not want to pay $12.7 million to a disgruntled employee in 2015. Peterson has said repeatedly this offseason that he wants out of Minnesota. Although his agent Ben Dogra recently changed tunes, the running back's camp still asked for more guaranteed money which is something the Vikings are not open to at this time.
The chances of Peterson wearing a new uniform this season are slim, but he's the most logical target if Jones really is willing to go after a top-notch rusher.
