Breaking News: Dallas Lands Untapped Running Back Of The Future In Shocking Trade Proposal

The Dallas Cowboys are going to be pulling out all the stops in 2024 to try to get to the Super Bowl.  After three straight regular seasons of 12 wins (that failed to result in even an appearance in the NFC Championship Game) the pressure is being felt by everyone is Dallas’ organization.

One surprising move could change their rushing attack.

The Dallas Cowboys Land Unproven Running Back In Low Risk Trade Proposal

East Rutherford, NJ -- August 24, 2024 -- Israel Abanikanda of the Jets runs the ball in the first half. The New York Giants and New York Jets meet at MetLife Stadium in the final preseason game of the 2024 season for both teams. © Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK (Dallas Cowboys)
East Rutherford, NJ — August 24, 2024 — Israel Abanikanda of the Jets runs the ball in the first half. The New York Giants and New York Jets meet at MetLife Stadium in the final preseason game of the 2024 season for both teams. © Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK

The 33rd Team proposed a number of trades that would be a “win-win” scenario for both teams.  Running back Israel Abanikanda joining Dallas made the list:

Cowboys Roll the dice on Israel Abanikanda

Trade details: Cowboys acquire RB Israel Abanikanda, Jets acquire 2025 6th-round pick

The Dallas Cowboys have the NFL’s worst running back room. Trading for Israel Abanikanda doesn’t completely resolve that issue, but the electric slasher would add much-needed juice to the run game. As of now, Ezekiel Elliott will soak up early-down snaps, and then it’s up to the uninspiring duo of Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn for explosive plays.

Steelers @ Falcons – NFL Game Preview for September 08, 2024
Aug 19, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets running back Israel Abanikanda (25) is tackled by Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker J.J. Russell (51) and linebacker Ulysees Gilbert (57) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 19, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets running back Israel Abanikanda (25) is tackled by Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker J.J. Russell (51) and linebacker Ulysees Gilbert (57) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Instead, Abanikanda can be this team’s 2022 version of Tony Pollard. Abanikanda has routinely created chunk plays since his days at Pitt, and this preseason has highlighted his ability to sprint into the open field. He averaged 6.1 yards per carry, totaling 129 yards on 21 carries with two touchdowns.

New York could use the playmaking but has continued to throw assets at the running back position despite having Abanikanda. 2024 rookies Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis are more recent investments and are projected for specific roles. Trading for Abanikanda shouldn’t cost much since he’ll be on the roster bubble.

Dallas certainly needs a long-term answer at running back sooner rather than later.  Could Abanikanda be that answer?

While Abanikanda has had limited NFL experience, he blew up during his final season in college:

Dallas could easily part with a late round draft pick for the opportunity to land their running back of the future.

New York Jets running back Israel Abanikanda (25) rushes with the ball in the second half. The Buccaneers defeat the Jets, 13-6, in a preseason NFL game at MetLife Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023, in East Rutherford. © Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK (Dallas Cowboys)
New York Jets running back Israel Abanikanda (25) rushes with the ball in the second half. The Buccaneers defeat the Jets, 13-6, in a preseason NFL game at MetLife Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023, in East Rutherford. © Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*