The Dallas Cowboys’ offense has been severely underperforming over the first six games of the season, particularly in the last three weeks, where they haven’t scored more than 20 points in any game.
While the absence of reliable options beyond Ceedee Lamb in the passing game is a significant issue, the team’s rushing game has also faltered, ranking as the worst in the league. The duo of Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott hasn’t yielded positive results, leading the Cowboys to consider acquiring Dalvin Cook, who has been declining in recent years.
It’s clear that the Cowboys need an improvement at running back, and Chris Licata from Athlon Sports offers a compelling solution. He suggests a trade that would send Chuba Hubbard from the Carolina Panthers to Dallas, along with a 2025 seventh-round pick (via the San Francisco 49ers), while the Panthers would receive a 2025 fifth-round pick.
Hubbard, a younger and cost-effective option, is enjoying a career year with an average of 5.2 yards per carry, totaling 630 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns this season. He is in the final year of his four-year, $4.1 million rookie contract, and his role may decrease with the anticipated introduction of second-round pick Jonathon Brooks. Additionally, teammate Miles Sanders may also be considered for trade, though he would be a more expensive option.
Jerry Jones has indicated that he does not plan on being very active before the trade deadline, but if the Cowboys were to make a move, it would likely be for someone like Hubbard, who is not a costly acquisition.
Given Hubbard’s impressive performance this season, especially in light of the struggles within the Panthers’ offense, he would represent a significant enhancement to the Cowboys’ rushing attack. However, a potential issue is that Hubbard could enter free agency soon, which might make the Cowboys hesitant to pursue him as a rental player.
