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Cowboys Encouraged to Target Free Agency Value With Projected $12 Million RB

Jerry Jones Rachaad White

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Bleacher Report's Brad Gagnon named the Dallas Cowboys a potential landing spot for free agent running back Rachaad White.

Pundits expect the Dallas Cowboys to be in the market for a veteran running back this offseason. They could land one of the better options in the backfield for an affordable price with Rachaad White.

Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon named White his top value running back for 2026 NFL free agency Wednesday. Gagnon predicted White to sign for $12 million on a 2-year deal this offseason.

“Gently used in three of his four seasons to date, White saw his yards‑per‑attempt jump from 3.7 in 2022‑23 to 4.3 in 2024‑25, and he’s also shaken a fumble problem, suggesting he should still have strong years left at 27,” wrote Gagnon.

The BR analyst named the Cowboys one of his top potential landing spots for White.

“His Pro Football Focus rushing grade of 87.2 actually ranked fourth among qualified backs in 2025 as he ‘graded’ in the 98th percentile on gap runs and the 94th percentile on zone runs,’ added Gagnon.

Over four seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, White rushed for 2,656 yards while averaging 3.9 yards per carry. His best statistical season was in 2023 when he had 1,539 yards from scrimmage, including 990 rushing yards.

During 2025, White registered 572 rushing yards with 40 catches and 218 receiving yards. He also scored four touchdowns.

Why RB Rachaad White Could Fit With Cowboys

The Cowboys made a splash in NFL free agency last year with a 3-year, $24 million deal for running back Javonte Williams. The veteran running back was an excellent addition, as he rushed for a career-high 1,201 yards with 11 touchdowns.

However, the Cowboys didn’t have any running back depth. Malik Davis finished second for the team in rushing with only 250 yards on the ground.

Williams had almost 1,100 yards from scrimmage more than Davis, who was Dallas’s second running back in that category as well.

The Cowboys still have second-year running back Jaydon Blue. But after high expectations last summer, the 2025 fifth-rounder only earned 39 touches as a rookie.

Dallas would be wise to add running back depth behind Williams this offseason. White could be a perfect match given his ability and cost.

During his best statistical campaign, White dominated the running back share in Tampa Bay’s backfield. But for most of his career, White has split the load with other running backs.

In 2025, White had 132 carries and 172 touches.

White is capable of being an RB1 for Dallas if Williams suffered an injury. But White would be best as a secondary weapon to provide depth.

Projecting White’s 2026 Free Agency Value

The top reason White potentially fits with Dallas, though, is cost. With the veteran back, the Cowboys could land a capable starting running back for only $6 million per season.

If White breaks out in 2026, he would also remain under contract for 2027 with a 2-year deal. On the other hand, should he fail to match even his cheap price tag, it wouldn’t cost much for the Cowboys to cut ties with the running back next year.

The Athletic’s Daniel Popper suggested White could be available for even a little less than Gagnon’s projection. Popper predicted White to sign a 2-year, $11 million deal this offseason.

NFL.com’s Gregg Rosenthal didn’t include White on his list of top 100 NFL free agents. The Buccaneers running back also didn’t make Rosenthal’s top five free agent running backs.

Popper, though, had White rated as his No. 5 free agent running back.

Of those top five backs on Popper’s list, White was the cheapest.

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