Follow the Money: Breakdown of Cowboys RBs salaries, cap hits
As quarterback takes up an enormous percentage of the Dallas Cowboys salary cap for 2024, something they should hope to reduce before the new league year begins, other positions have taken a back seat in how Stephen Jones’ proverbial pie has been divided. And while recent years have seen a sizable investment in the pasture where the bell cows have grazed, that will likely not be the case for the upcoming season.
The lack of a run game in Dallas is a huge concern, but the problem has a clear path to recovery. And while the solution may reside more along the offensive line and its performance, the club will still need to add additional investments to the running back room as it will more than likely look significantly different come training camp. With the top two backs hitting unrestricted free agency, here’s what the Cowboys currently have under contract to replace Tony Pollard and Rico Dowdle’s contributions.
Malik Davis | Age: 25 | Cap Hit: $985,000 - 0.4% | RFA: 2026
As an undrafted free agent out of the University of Florida, Cowboys reserve running back Malik Davis flashed burst and explosiveness in his rookie season; two major components in a runner’s success. His natural talents convinced many fans he could be a contributor in the run game.
His second season did not go as planned, however. Davis spent the year on the practice squad and even though he was called up for the maximum amount of three games, he did not receive a single attempt after getting 38 carries as a rookie.
Davis currently has the distinction of being the highest salaried player in the Cowboys running back room. With less than $1 million in projected salary, the situation in Dallas should be considered fluid until further notice.
Davis signed a two-year futures deal with Dallas. Because he didn’t see enough action for 2023 to be an accrued season, he’ll be a restricted free agent after 2025.
Deuce Vaughn | Age: 22 | Cap Hit: $948,333 - 0.4% | UDFA: 2027
The story of running back Deuce Vaughn being drafted by the team his father works for has been the highlight of his career so far. When that situation unfolded, many fans believed the team had found the next Day 3 running back success story. Unfortunately for Vaughn, he only averaged 1.7 yards an attempt on 23 carries across seven games.
The story may be far from over. This unique player will have multiple opportunities to emerge from the pack regardless of whom the team decides to bring in. His first NFL offseason could do wonders for the hard-working kid from Kansas State with a skillset of quick feet and an ability to hide behind linemen until a hole opens up.
Hunter Luepke | Age: 23 | Cap Hit: $921,666 - 0.4% | RFA: 2026
Undrafted rookie fullback Hunter Luepke was starting to make progress before a fumble at the goal line in Miami changed his trajectory. From that point on, Luepke only played in 19 snaps on offense and would not get a carry or catch a pass for the remainder of the season. After earning the trust of the coaching staff up to that point, any setback he suffered in that moment should be a recoverable offense.
Luepke is another young player who should benefit from a full NFL off-season and his status on this roster is strengthened with his ability to contribute on special teams. His 287 total special teams snaps throughout all coverage units the season led all current players in the RB room by far.
Snoop Conner Age: 23 Cap Hit: $915,000 - 0.4% RFA: 2026
Snoop Conner was a 2022 fifth-round draft pick by Jacksonville. After a rookie campaign that gave him few opportunities, he failed to make the Jaguars 2023, 53-man roster. Conner stayed in Jacksonville on their practice squad but recently signed to a future/reserve contract with Dallas after the season expired. The former Mississippi runner figures to have a better chance in a thin room.
Ezekiel Elliott: $6,040,000 Dead Money
Dallas chose to make running back Ezekiel Elliott a post-June 1st cut last offseason meaning the Cowboys took the cap savings while splitting his dead money over two seasons. This year, Dallas must account for just over $6 million in space remaining from his extension. Even though he no longer roams the hallways, his extension still lingers.
Running Back Recap
Draft Capital Spent:
6th round pick (2023)
With less than 2% of the cap and zero guaranteed money in the room, this is where the Cowboys have space to spend. Only the top 51 of the 53 players on the active roster have their salary count against the cap making this a theoretical situation where Dallas has virtually zero dollars invested in the group minus the dead money still owed to Elliott. Every back on the roster logged a decent amount of special teams snaps further indicating that the next Dallas runner should be primarily judged by his running ability and not his special teams versatility.
