Dallas Cowboys Rumors: Signing Alfred Morris Would Have Major Impact

The Dallas Cowboys reportedly have former Washington Redskins running back Alfred Morris in for a free-agent visit today, and there’s some feeling that he could sign a deal before leaving. If Jerry Jones pulls the trigger on Morris, it would open up so many different avenues for the Cowboys.

#Cowboys have Patrick Robinson & Alfred Morris in for a visit. The expectation is Robinson signs and Morris could too. Priorities are clear.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 21, 2016

The rumors circulating around the Cowboys and their No. 4 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft are that the team is interested in selecting Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott in that spot. While the offense does have a need for a running back, taking one that high could do severe damage to the future of the franchise given the relative value put on the position in today’s NFL.

I’ve heard all of the comments from scouts about how great Elliott is and that he might be the best talent in this draft, but it doesn’t matter. A running back is not going to turn any NFL roster into a championship team. Sure, the Cowboys were better two years ago with DeMarco Murray, but they also had a healthy Tony Romo and Dez Bryant. Murray’s absence was only magnified by the injuries to the rest of the offense.

Last season, Darren McFadden rushed for 1,089 yards and averaged 4.6 YPC behind this spectacular offensive line. Prior to 2015, he hadn’t averaged more than 3.4 YPC since 2011. This offensive line can make any middle-of-the-road running back look great which is why Elliott would be a mistake at No. 4 overall.

Morris is a guy who averaged 1,320 yards per season over his first three years in Washington. He only fell off last year because Jay Gruden fell in love with rookie running back Matt Jones as the Redskins were looking to avoid having to extend Morris this offseason. He’s still only 27 years old and would give the Cowboys a bigger back to pair with McFadden, or they could just make Morris the featured back.

Signing Morris would then allow the Cowboys to draft Joey Bosa, Jalen Ramsey or another impact player at a premium position without wasting it on a running back. The team would then be set up for a playoff, and possible Super Bowl, run in 2016.