Dallas Cowboys come to agreement with free agent running back Ryan Nall

The Dallas Cowboys have made multiple changes on offense during this offseason, and the running back room is no exception. On Friday, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the Cowboys have signed free agent running back Ryan Nall.

Nall played three years at Oregon State from 2015 through 2017. There, he rushed 385 times for 2,2165 yards and 24 touchdowns, averaging 5.8 yards per carry. He also played a role in the receiving game, bringing in 56 catches for 563 yards and four additional touchdowns. Overall, Nall’s collegiate career ended with 441 plays from scrimmage for 2,779 yards and 28 touchdowns.

Nall has spent the previous three seasons with the Chicago Bears. He had two rushes for eight yards as a rookie in 2019, and then had three rushes for no yards, adding eight receptions for 67 yards and a touchdown in 2020. This past season, Nall had one rushing attempt for four yards and one reception for four yards with no touchdowns.

Overall, Nall has just six rushing attempts in his three-year NFL career. By bringing him in, the Cowboys are simply adding depth to the running back room and on special teams.

Nall will slot in behind Ezekiel Elliott, Tony Pollard in the Cowboys running back room

The Cowboys have two pretty good options at running back in Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard. Elliott rushed for over 1,000 yards with ten touchdowns last season, adding 47 receptions for 287 yards and two additional scores. Pollard averaged 5.5 yards per carry last year, rushing for 719 yards and two touchdowns on 130 attempts. He also had 39 receptions for 337 yards.

Behind Elliott and Pollard, the Cowboys needed some depth at running back. Last year’s third leading rusher (among running backs) for the Cowboys was Corey Clement, who is no longer with the organization. The Cowboys do still have JaQuan Hardy, who played in just three games with four rushing attempts last season.

Elsewhere on offense, the Cowboys have moved on from offensive linemen Connor Williams and La’el Collins. Wide receiver Cedrick Wilson also left during free agency, and the Cowboys traded wideout Amari Cooper to the Cleveland Browns. Tight end Blake Jarwin remains a free agent.

The Cowboys went 12-5 last season, winning the NFC East with ease. Dallas then lost in the first round of the playoffs to the San Francisco 49ers.