On Tuesday, the Cowboys signed running back Royce Freeman to a one-year deal, according to Todd Archer of ESPN. Despite this signing, Dallas is still expected to draft a running back next week after losing Tony Pollard. Freeman brings experience to the team’s backfield, joining other running backs like Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, Malik Davis, and Snoop Conner on the depth chart.
Freeman, who is 28 years old, played for the Rams last season and recorded 319 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 77 carries. He has been with four different teams in the past four seasons after being drafted by the Broncos in 2018. His most productive season was his rookie year when he rushed for 521 yards and five touchdowns on 130 carries. In his second season, he had a career-high 175 touches for 752 yards from scrimmage.
Over the past four seasons, Freeman has had 209 carries for 775 yards and two touchdowns, as well as 29 receptions for 204 yards. He is only the second outside free agent the Cowboys have signed this offseason, with linebacker Eric Kendricks being the other addition. The signing of Freeman gives Dallas more depth in their backfield and could help them fill the void left by Pollard’s injury.