CBS Sports: The Cowboys make Haste to Sign Veteran Free-Agent Running Back

Running back Malik Davis, who was a standout player at Jesuit High School in the Tampa region before relocating to Florida, has had a confusing career in Dallas so far. Despite playing for the Gators for five seasons, Davis was never able to make a lasting impression. Despite being named to the All-SEC freshman team, he missed the following two seasons due to a knee injury.

After going undrafted in 2022, Davis’ talent was sufficient to attract the Cowboys’ attention. He impressed the staff with his dependability and running back skills, ultimately earning a spot on the practice squad that summer. Davis was brought up to be the Cowboys’ No. 3 back after Rico Dowdle was injured during his rookie season. He recorded 161 yards on 38 attempts.

Davis’s career reached its zenith at that point, and he hasn’t had many opportunities to make an impression on the squad thereafter. Despite being on the practice squad the previous season, Davis did not play on the 53-man roster and only had three appearances in 2023.

The Cowboys signed Davis to a futures deal on Friday because they want to keep him on board despite the lack of use.

Malik Davis Will Try to Get Back on the Roster
According to CBS Sports, the Cowboys made the move on Davis, citing a report from Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston.

“After failing to make the 53-man roster at the end of training camp in late August, Davis spent the entire 2024 regular season on the Cowboys’ practice squad,” the website said. In order to fight for a roster place for the 2025 season, he will remain in Dallas and take part in offseason training programs even though he was not added to the active squad for a single game.

The running back position for the Cowboys needs more depth.
One of the most important things Dallas fans should keep an eye on over the summer is what the Cowboys do at running back. The franchise controversially decided not to pursue star back Derrick Henry in free agency, even though Henry had said that he wanted to play for Dallas.

Rather, the Cowboys signed Rico Dowdle, a free agent. Despite having many effective backs in their selection range, including Braelon Allen and Bucky Irving, the Cowboys doubled down on their running back errors by not selecting any running backs in the NFL draft.

The Cowboys then looked to veteran retread Ezekiel Elliott to fill the position after passing on running backs in the draft. However, Elliott was released late in the season before joining the Chargers, indicating that he was washed up this season. Despite having a strong season (1,079 yards), Dowdle need assistance.