NFL Rumors: Dallas Cowboys To Put Darren McFadden On Trading Block
NFL rumors persist that the Dallas Cowboys will soon put a nearly-healthy Darren McFadden on the trading block due to a crowded backfield, multiple media outlets have suggested.
Sports Illustrated called Darren McFadden one of the top five players that could potentially be dealt before the NFL’s Tuesday, November 1 trade deadline. Since the Dallas Cowboys are 5-1 and in first place in the NFC East, they are not in desperate need of a particular position player at this time. However, the Cowboys could secure future draft picks for a player that last year led the team in rushing yards with 1,089 yards in essentially 11 games.
A top trade destination for Darren McFadden seems to be the Green Bay Packers. CBS Sports‘ Jared Dubin noted the lack of depth at running back for the NFC North squad despite a trade last week for Kniles Davis. Dubin believes the current Dallas Cowboys back could help push the Green Bay Packers in the right direction, according to recent comments the analyst made.
“Knile Davis is not the answer. McFadden isn’t the ‘answer,’ either, but at least he knows what he’s doing and has a track record at the position. Put him behind Green Bay’s solid offensive line and next to Aaron Rodgers, and he could make some things happen.”
Another NFC North team — the Detroit Lions — could also be in the running for the Dallas Cowboys running back’s services. With injuries to multiple running backs plaguing their backfield, Darren McFadden could provide immediate offense for the Lions while yielding a fifth or sixth round draft pick back to the Dallas Cowboys, CBS Sports reported from expert predictions.
NFL Trade Rumors Roundup: Lions Targeting Darren McFadden, Bears Not Trading Jeffery & More https://t.co/Sg0k48bXAT pic.twitter.com/Jz5yZjY9eV
— Dallas Cowboys (@ThemCowboysRR) October 29, 2016
Inside The Star — a blog devoted to the Dallas Cowboys — went beyond the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers in search of teams that could be interested in trading for Darren McFadden this season. In addition to those NFL franchises, the blog suggested that the Minnesota Vikings, the Oakland Raiders, the Seattle Seahawks and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers might have an interest in Darren McFadden if the Dallas Cowboys would part with him for the right price.
With so many teams potentially interested in Darren McFadden, the only question remains when the Dallas Cowboys running back could return to the field. The Star-Telegram posed that very question to the 29-year-old running back recently. Saying his elbow is “as good as it’s going to get,” Darren McFadden declared he’s healthy enough to return to the field.
“[I’m] just sitting back and waiting for my time to get back on the field. It’s pretty much up to the coaches. I’m ready to go, so it’s just based off their decision.”
Darren McFadden arrived at this wait-and-see situation because he underwent offseason surgery on his right elbow. The Dallas Cowboys put him on the non-football injury list to start the season, opening the door for rookie Ezekiel Elliott to shine. The Ohio State product has surpassed expectations rushing for 703 yards in six games this season while taking two out of three carries out of the Dallas Cowboys backfield.
Before Darren McFadden could return or be traded, the Dallas Cowboys must activate the running back from the non-football injury list. From that point, the team will have three weeks to decide whether to add him the 53-man roster or pull the trigger on a trade.
For his part, Darren McFadden has told the Star-Telegram that he’s ignored much of the trade discussion happening around him. Should he get the call to play, Darren McFadden insisted he will be ready to go regardless of whether it’s for the Dallas Cowboys or another team.
The NFL trade deadline is 4 p.m. Tuesday. Typically, only a handful of trades occurs; far less than other pro sports leagues before their respective trade deadlines.
Do you think the Dallas Cowboys will trade Darren McFadden before the NFL deadline? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
[Featured Image by Rob Foldy/Getty Images]
