The Dallas Cowboys are finally set to kick off their Organized Team Activities on Monday, June 1, at The Star. While most of the league has already begun spring work, Dallas enters this important phase with a roster of 88 players — leaving three open spots on the 90-man roster and one additional international pathway slot currently occupied by Dayo Odeleye.
That modest flexibility could prove significant as the Cowboys look to address lingering depth concerns across the roster. While the starting lineup appears largely set, several positions lack proven reinforcements behind the starters. Middle linebacker, left tackle, cornerback, and edge rusher all carry question marks. Yet one area stands out as particularly ripe for an upgrade: the running back room.
The Cowboys are determined not to overburden Javonte Williams after a heavy workload in 2025. Behind him, the depth chart features unproven options in second-year back Jaydon Blue, Malik Davis, and Phil Mafah. None of those three has significant starting experience, having combined for just 31 career appearances. That lack of reliability creates a clear opportunity for a veteran addition.
Enter James Conner.
Why James Conner Fits the Cowboys
According to Dallas Morning News writer Joseph Hoyt, the Arizona Cardinals running back represents one of the most intriguing trade targets available to Dallas this offseason. Conner, a two-time 1,000-yard rusher, posted consecutive seasons exceeding 1,000 rushing yards in 2023 and 2024. He also contributed significantly as a receiver during that span, adding 74 catches for 579 yards.
Though Conner is 31 and coming off a foot injury that limited him to just three games last season, his pedigree is undeniable. He has appeared in 110 career games with 84 starts — a level of experience none of the current Cowboys backups can match. Should Williams miss time, Conner has the proven ability to step in as a lead back immediately.
Beyond production, there’s a strategic connection. Conner previously worked with Cowboys offensive coordinator Klayton Adams, who served as the Cardinals’ offensive line coach before joining Dallas. That familiarity could accelerate his integration into the offense.
Arizona, meanwhile, has moved forward. The Cardinals selected dynamic running back Jeremiyah Love with the third overall pick and added Tyler Allgeier in free agency. With a new head coach in place and Conner entering the final year of his contract, the veteran suddenly finds himself in a crowded backfield.
Hoyt highlighted Conner as the standout playmaker among five potential offseason additions for Dallas, noting he “wouldn’t be a bad addition at the right price.”
A Dual-Threat Complement to Williams
Pairing Conner with Javonte Williams could give Dallas one of the more balanced backfields in the NFC. Williams brings a powerful, between-the-tackles style, while a healthy Conner offers proven three-down ability and receiving skills out of the backfield. Jaydon Blue’s shiftiness remains an intriguing long-term prospect, but Conner would provide immediate stability and veteran leadership.
The NFC East is already a brutally competitive division. Any move that meaningfully strengthens Dallas’ backfield — especially with a battle-tested, dual-threat veteran — sends a clear message. The Cowboys aren’t just hoping for health; they’re positioning themselves to withstand the inevitable attrition of a long season.
Whether the price is right remains to be seen. But if Adam Schefter’s reporting is any indication, this is more than idle speculation. A James Conner trade to Dallas could quietly reshape the backfield dynamics in the division — and give the rest of the NFC East something new to worry about.
