The Dallas Cowboys are entering the final stretch before the trade deadline with more questions than answers in their backfield. This uncertainty has opened the door to a move that once seemed unlikely. With a veteran running back officially ruled out for the season and the offense already stretched thin, the Cowboys may now be pushed toward an acquisition that could shift the balance of their rushing attack and, possibly, their entire playoff outlook.
Could the Dallas Cowboys Turn to a Proven RB to Stabilize the Offense?
The Cowboys’ depth chart changed dramatically in early October when Miles Sanders was shut down for the year. Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones confirmed the decision on 105.3 The Fan, as cited by PFSN’s Ravi Shankar, ending Sanders’ season after ankle and knee issues grew more complicated. These issues began in Week 4, and Sanders did not return after just two carries in that game. He finished his short Cowboys stint with only 20 carries for 117 yards and one touchdown.
Following the news, Jones expressed confidence in rookie Jaydon Blue stepping into a larger role, stating, “We’re so fired up about what Jaydon Blue can do for this offense.” The problem, however, is that Dallas did not intend to rely on Blue this soon. The loss of Sanders leaves a significant talent gap behind lead back Javonte Williams, who ranks 10th this season, according to PFSN’s RB Impact metric.
This is where New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson enters the conversation. PFSN’s Josh Weil identified Stevenson as a realistic trade option, explaining that while he has performed well for New England, the team’s addition of Treyveon Henderson and other potential roster changes may leave Stevenson without a long-term role.
Stevenson offers proven production. Across 64 career games, he has rushed for 3,345 yards with 24 rushing touchdowns. He has also added 1,119 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns, giving him a total of 26 scores. Throughout his time with the Patriots, he has averaged 4.2 yards per carry and has shown the ability to handle a starter-level workload when required.
Even in a more minor role during the 2025 season, Stevenson has continued to contribute, producing 279 rushing yards and 169 receiving yards through eight games. According to PFSN’s RB Impact metric, he holds a 63.8 impact score this season, which ranks 43rd among all running backs and earns him a D grade.
His overall ranking since 2013 stands at No. 311, indicating that his current production falls below his earlier standard but remains stronger than that of most running backs who would be realistically available at the deadline.
While the Cowboys still hold a B+ grade in PFSN’s Offense Impact metric, that grade reflects a version of the roster that included Sanders as a rotational piece. Standing pat would force the Cowboys to rely on the depth they had not planned to test so heavily. On the other hand, making a move for Stevenson would give quarterback Dak Prescott a back who has already handled significant workloads, protected quarterbacks in passing situations, and scored 26 times in his career.
Whether the Cowboys choose to act now may determine if their offense can absorb this loss or if it will eventually be reflected in their performance on the field.
