The Dallas Cowboys are entering the 2026 season with a mix of talent and uncertainty at running back. Javonte Williams is poised to start, and he sits among the league’s more highly regarded backs entering the year. Yet behind him, depth is a real concern. The club recently moved on from several younger backs, creating a need for experienced playmakers who can contribute in a variety of roles. With some salary cap room available ahead of the opener, Dallas could look to veteran free agents or trade targets who can provide a steady hand in complementary duties or serve as a change-of-pace option if injuries arise. Here are five veteran options the Cowboys could consider adding to the roster in the near term.
Austin Ekeler, Free Agent
Ekeler remains one of the most versatile backs in the league when healthy, known for his dual-threat ability as a rusher and receiver. While he is not in his prime, his precise vision, pass-catching prowess, and ability to win in space could bring a welcome dynamic to a Dallas offense that benefits from a back who can contribute on all three downs. If the coaching staff seeks a veteran presence who can spell the starter and handle specialized packages, Ekeler represents a sensible fit with a relatively modest financial ask for the right team. His track record as a high-volume contributor in years past makes him an intriguing option for a team aiming to maximize its offensive versatility.
Devin Singletary, Former Pro Bowler
Singletary has long been a productive rotational back, especially as a complementary option who can grind out tough yards between the tackles. He isn’t viewed as a lead back in today’s NFL, but in a committee role, Singletary can deliver reliable production and pass protection support. If the Cowboys want a veteran with playoff-caliber experience and the ability to contribute as a reliable third option, Singletary could be a practical addition at a reasonable price. His experience in a variety of offensive schemes could translate well to a team looking to maintain a steady ground game without overpaying for a feature-back.
Joe Mixon, Free Agent
Mixon previously showed star-level potential before an injury and subsequent hiccups altered his trajectory. If he remains healthy and motivated, Mixon can bring big-play ability and patience to the backfield. For a team seeking a true spark in short-yardage situations or as a high-upside veteran option, Mixon’s talent remains appealing. The key questions are durability, cost, and fit within Dallas’s offensive scheme. If the price is right and Mixon can embrace a complementary role rather than a featured workload, he could be a strong value pickup.
Alvin Kamara, Free Agent
Kamara has a storied past as one of the most dynamic playmakers in the league, excelling as both a rusher and a receiver. Injuries and aging have tempered his peak production in recent seasons, but Kamara still possesses elite acceleration, wiggle, and a knack for creating yards after contact. If the Cowboys believe Kamara can reclaim a meaningful portion of his earlier impact at a reasonable cost, he could be a transformative addition to a backfield that could benefit from a high-level playmaker who can create mismatches in the passing game. The question is whether Kamara can return to form and stay on the field.
Raheem Mostert, Free Agent
Mostert is a veteran with a notable late-career resurgence and a resume that includes a Pro Bowl season. While he is advancing in age, Mostert brings big-play speed and a familiarity with zone-driven rushing schemes that can help stretch defenses. As a depth option, he could provide a reliable change-of-pace presence and a proven veteran voice in the locker room. If the Cowboys are simply seeking a low-cost veteran with the ability to contribute in reserve roles and special teams, Mostert could satisfy those needs without demanding a large commitment.
Key considerations for Dallas
– Depth and durability: With Williams as the presumed starter, Dallas needs a veteran who can handle a modest workload and stay healthy. Any signing should balance potential upside with the likelihood of contributing in multiple phases, including pass protection and third-down work.
– Salary cap impact: The team has financial flexibility to add a veteran without hamstringing future moves. A short-term deal with an opportunity to prove value could be the most prudent path.
– System fit: A back who can protect the quarterback, catch passes out of the backfield, and run with physicality between the tackles will align well with the Cowboys’ offensive approach and play-action concepts.
Trades and contingency plans
While trades for division rivals are less common close to game days, a targeted move could still be feasible if a willing team values veteran depth and a modest return. If the Cowboys prefer cost certainty, a free-agent signing with a one- or two-year deal could provide stability while scouting the rest of the market for more affordable options.
Bottom line
Dallas faces a clear need to fortify its backfield behind Javonte Williams. The five veterans outlined above each offer different flashes of potential value, from pass-catching versatility to downhill power. The optimal addition would be one who can contribute immediately in a support role, maintain reliability in protection schemes, and provide a bridge to younger depth in the event of injuries. As the season opener approaches, the Cowboys will likely weigh these options against price, fit, and long-term organizational goals to ensure their rushing attack remains a threat across the entire 2026 campaign.
