NFL Rumors: Alfred Morris Leaving Washington Redskins For Dallas Cowboys
NFL rumors have been swirling around Alfred Morris this past week. After visiting with the Dallas Cowboys, many football fans were curious to see if he would actually leave the Washington Redskins. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has been downplaying the running back position this offseason, but it looks like he’s about to get an upgrade anyways. According to ESPN, it appears that Morris is leaning towards signing with Dallas, leaving the Redskins behind.
Not a lot was expected of Alfred Morris when he came into the NFL. He played for the Florida Atlantic Owls, a team that most sports fans aren’t even aware of. Since the Washington Redskins waited until the sixth round of the draft to choose the running back, many were not expecting him to become an immediate starter. The Redskins would have been happy if Morris contributed on special teams, but he ended up becoming a starter and a fan favorite.
Not only did Alfred Morris become a starter and fan favorite for the Washington Redskins, he also set a single-season rushing record for them as well. The franchise has seen some of the best running backs in the NFL wearing their jersey. John Riggins, Clinton Portis, Stephen Davis, Shaun Alexander, and Earnest Byner have all worn the Redskins jerseys, but none of them had more yards in a season than Morris.
Fortunately for the Dallas Cowboys, Alfred Morris is one of the most versatile running backs in the NFL. He excelled in the zone read option run blocking scheme, which means that he would be useful if the Cowboys were to sign Robert Griffin III as their backup. Don’t expect Cowboys offensive coordinator to dial up too many running plays for Tony Romo. Morris also excelled at the outside zone scheme, which has many similarities to the blocking schemes that Dallas runs.
What was once considered a position of weakness after DeMarco Murray walked away via free agency and joined the Philadelphia Eagles, the running back position seems stacked now for the Dallas Cowboys. Darren McFadden is returning after a better-than-expected season. Lance Dunbar signed a new contract to provide a potentially great receiving threat from the backfield. Alfred Morris might become the power back and a starter for the Cowboys now.
A major concern for the Dallas Cowboys is that their three top running backs have durability issues. Darren McFadden was healthy last season, but he has a history of missing a lot of games in the NFL. Lance Dunbar tore his ACL last season, so no one knows for sure what he brings to the table right now. Over the past four seasons, no one in the National Football League had more carries than Alfred Morris.
Signing Alfred Morris helps the Dallas Cowboys in two different ways. First of all, they add more depth to a position of need. Secondly, they hurt an NFC East division rival because the Washington Redskins have lost a good runner. On a separate note, the Philadelphia Eagles were also interested in acquiring Morris, but the 27-year-old runner opted to sign with the Cowboys instead. That means Dallas won’t be forced to defend Morris twice a season.
Now that the Dallas Cowboys have shored up their running back position, Jerry Jones can put his focus towards the other positions of need when the NFL Draft rolls around. They can now take a gamble on a backup and future quarterback with the fourth overall selection. That, or they can add a stud defensive end or cornerback to provide an immediate upgrade right off the bat.
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