The Dallas Cowboys have a new addition to their running back group, trading for Seattle Seahawks running back Christine Michael. The former Texas A&M stud running back returns home to Texas, now having the opportunity to have a sizable workload in an NFL offense.
Michael, a second-round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the situation with Seattle just never worked out for him. Marshawn Lynch is a bell cow who ate up all the carries. For whatever scraps were left, Robert Turbin had stolen those away in previous seasons.
From a talent perspective, there is certainly enough to like about Michael. He is still a young back with the size and athleticism to be a force, but there also has to be some question about why he was surpassed by Turbin in Seattle and why the Seahawks were willing to part with him over other running backs.
Situation wise, whoever is in the backfield behind the Cowboys' offensive line will have a great opportunity. Dallas has one of the best offensive lines in the past decade. It's an ideal situation for any running back, especially one who has Michael's athleticism.
The problem – Dallas will be using Michael, Joseph Randle, Darren McFadden and Lance Dunbar. Dunbar will be used more on third-downs, Randle's a flash/home-run hitter, whenever McFadden is healthy, he would likely work in short-yardage situations. Michael is arguably the most talented running back in the group, but how many carries will he be given?
Right now he is definitely worth adding for depth and pure speculation, because of the situation and the importance of having more running backs. But anyway expecting a monster season where Michael unleashes himself on the NFL and finishes with 1,000-plus yards is drinking too much of the hype.