Alfred Morris Will Flourish With Dallas Cowboys

After the Joseph Randle experiment went horribly wrong in 2015, the Dallas Cowboys were left to rely heavily on veteran Darren McFadden to carry their run attack. While McFadden undoubtedly did an admirable job, it was clear from the beginning of the offseason that the Cowboys would need to add another dynamic running back into the mix if they intend on making noise in the NFC East in 2016. The Cowboys have now made the necessary addition by signing former Washington Redskins starter Alfred Morris to a two-year deal worth up to $5.5 million.

Moments ago, Alfred Morris’ agent, @seanstellato, confirmed the former Redskins’ RB will sign a two-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 22, 2016

Morris, 27, had a down season (for his standards) in 2015. Over 202 carries, he tallied just 751 rushing yards (3.7 YPC) with a shockingly substandard one TD on the ground (all career lows). Morris seemingly fell out of favor with head coach Jay Gruden, who appeared to favor rookie Matt Jones at times despite his struggles with inconsistency.

According to Pro Football Focus, the Redskins ranked 15th in the NFL in run blocking in 2015, while Dallas was ranked No. 1 overall. Thus, it’s fair to assume Morris will benefit from playing behind the league’s premier offensive line in Dallas.

Morris has never added much production in the passing attack throughout his career. He’s accumulated just 47 receptions for 365 yards in four seasons combined, so expect to see McFadden maintain a large role and continue to receive plenty of carries and targets. Most likely, Morris will be showcased on power running plays, on the goal line and in short-yardage scenarios.

Over the first three seasons of his career (2012-14), the only running back to outgain Morris was Marshawn Lynch of the Seattle Seahawks, yet Morris went widely underrated among NFL aficionados. Sure, he had a disappointing season in 2015 which is somewhat concerning considering he was playing for his next contract, but one down campaign isn’t indicative of how he will perform in an ideal situation in Dallas.