Dallas Cowboys Eye James Conner to Bolster RB Depth: A Strategic NFC Play

The Arizona Cardinals find themselves in an unusually crowded running back room, sparking speculation that veteran James Conner could become available via trade. For the Dallas Cowboys, already anchored by lead back Javonte Williams, acquiring Conner offers more than depth—it could reshape the Cowboys’ backfield into one of the NFC’s most formidable committees.

Williams joined Dallas through free agency after four seasons with the Denver Broncos and immediately delivered a breakout 2025 campaign, rushing for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns. His performance earned him a three-year, $24 million contract extension this offseason. Analysts have repeatedly called the deal a steal, emphasizing Williams’ impact on the offense, yet questions linger regarding the supporting cast behind him.

Among Dallas’ secondary backs, Malik Davis logged the second-most rushing attempts last season with 52—fewer than quarterback Dak Prescott’s 53 carries. Jaydon Blue followed with 38 attempts, while Phil Mafah and fullback Hunter Luepke round out the group. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer has publicly challenged the backups to elevate their game this season. ESPN analyst Mike Clay has suggested that the current roster may not be enough to sustain a high-powered rushing attack.

Clay recently highlighted Conner, along with Alvin Kamara and Trey Benson, as running backs in need of new homes. He listed the Cowboys among logical landing spots alongside teams like the Washington Commanders, Indianapolis Colts, Cincinnati Bengals, Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs, and Cleveland Browns.

Why James Conner Could Be Available

Conner, a Pro Bowler in both 2018 and 2021, appeared in just three games last season due to a foot injury. Arizona has aggressively refreshed the position, signing Tyler Allgeier in free agency and selecting Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love with the third overall pick. The Cardinals also retain Trey Benson, previously discussed as a potential RB2 trade target for Dallas.

Shared Coaching Connections Strengthen the Fit

Any move for Benson or Conner would benefit from familiarity with Dallas’ staff. Klayton Adams, now the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator, spent two years as Arizona’s offensive line coach. During that tenure, he helped implement a rushing scheme that produced back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons for Conner and saw Benson average 4.6 yards per carry as a rookie in 2024.

Both Schottenheimer and Adams favor big, physical backs capable of sustaining performance across multiple quarters. Conner, at 233 pounds, fits this mold perfectly, and Benson, at 220 pounds, also meets the profile. However, Conner’s age—recently turning 31—makes him the more realistic trade candidate. While unlikely to assume a full-time lead role, he complements Williams as a proven between-the-tackles runner who can spell the younger back, maintain drives, and force defenses to respect early-down power running.

A Calculated Move Toward NFC Dominance

In an era where committees increasingly dictate success, Dallas sits just one strategic acquisition away from pairing Williams’ explosiveness with Conner’s veteran reliability. The expected trade price appears low, making the investment appealing for a team with Super Bowl ambitions. With the right personnel move, the Cowboys could create a backfield that not only elevates offensive efficiency but also forces the rest of the NFC to adjust their defensive strategies accordingly.

For fans and analysts alike, monitoring Dallas’ potential pursuit of Conner is essential. Adding the veteran would not just enhance depth—it would signal the Cowboys’ intent to combine youth and experience, size and speed, into a cohesive and punishing rushing attack. As the trade landscape evolves, one thing is clear: pairing Williams and Conner could redefine the NFC backfield hierarchy and cement Dallas’ status as a Super Bowl contender in 2026.