The Dallas Cowboys are heading into the offseason with one clear priority on offense: solidifying the running back room.
Javonte Williams is expected back, but beyond him, the depth chart is thin. Malik Davis and 2025 draft pick Jaydon Blue are the only other backs under contract for 2026, and while both offer upside, neither has proven they can carry the load if Williams were to miss time. That reality puts the Cowboys in a position where they need to consider adding another reliable option to the backfield - someone who can contribute right away and ease the burden on Williams.
Enter Rachaad White.
Pro Football Focus’ Nathan Jahnke recently identified Dallas as the best fit for the soon-to-be free agent running back, currently with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. And it’s not hard to see why. White’s skill set checks a lot of boxes for what the Cowboys need, regardless of whether Williams re-signs or not.
White is coming off a strong 2023 campaign, where he posted career-highs in rushing yards (991), receiving yards (549), and total touchdowns (nine). He was the Bucs’ featured back that season, showing off his versatility and durability.
But over the past two years, he’s seen his role reduced, with Bucky Irving emerging as Tampa Bay’s lead runner. White, for his part, seems ready to move on - his recent social media farewell to Bucs fans made that clear.
From a roster-building standpoint, it makes sense for Tampa Bay to go younger and cheaper behind Irving. That leaves White looking for a new home, and Dallas might just be the ideal landing spot.
The Cowboys saw firsthand what a heavy workload did to Williams late last season. He fought through it, but the wear and tear was evident. What Dallas needs is a back who can spell Williams without the offense skipping a beat - someone who can handle 10-12 touches a game, contribute in the passing game, and step in as a lead back if needed.
That’s exactly what White brings to the table.
He’s not just a between-the-tackles grinder - he’s a legitimate dual-threat option. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield would give the Cowboys another layer of versatility, especially in third-down and two-minute situations. And if Williams needs a breather or misses time, White has shown he can handle a lead role without the offense losing rhythm.
Of course, like any potential signing, it comes down to the price tag.
Spotrac projects White to command a two-year, $15.1 million deal in free agency. That’s a number Dallas likely won’t entertain, especially if they lock in Williams on a multi-year extension. The Cowboys have made it clear in recent years they’re not in the business of overspending on running backs - and that philosophy isn’t changing anytime soon.
But if White’s market doesn’t materialize the way Spotrac expects - and he ends up in the range of what Williams signed for last offseason (one year, $3 million) - then Dallas could be very much in play. At that price point, a Williams-White tandem becomes a smart, cost-effective backfield that gives the Cowboys flexibility, depth, and insurance.
Bottom line: Dallas doesn’t need to make a splash at running back. But they do need to make a smart move. If the numbers line up, Rachaad White could be exactly that.