The 2024 NFL Draft is almost here and Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce could be a potential trade target. Selected in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Florida product immediately outplayed his draft stock and earned a reputation as one of the more physical backs in the game. The rookie was a perfect fit for Lovie Smith’s team, finishing the season with 939 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 220 attempts (4.3 yards per carry).

Unfortunately, Pierce’s physical one-cut style of running didn’t translate to DeMeco Ryans’ scheme. The second-year pro averaged just 2.9 yards per carry before losing the starting job to Devin Singletary. With Ryans not going anywhere and Joe Mixon aboard , one NFL analyst believes that Dameon Pierce could be on the trade block and that he’d be a great fit with the Dallas Cowboys.

Dallas Cowboys, Dameon Pierce Connected In Trade Talks

The Dallas Cowboys desperately need another running back, and Dameon Pierce could be the best option on the trade market. The 2023 season proved that the Florida product is not a perfect fit for every system, but he should do well in the Cowboys system. In any case, it’s hard to see him being worse than the underwhelming duo of Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn.

Chances are, the Cowboys will draft a running back at some point during the 2024 NFL Draft. However, this class is the weakest in recent memory, and Dallas shouldn’t bank on landing a Day 1 starter. Dameon Pierce could be a reliable short-term starter, and he shouldn’t cost too much in a trade.

Of course, if the Texans are willing to trade Dameon Pierce, the Cowboys probably won’t be the only team interested in his services. The fourth-round pick showed genuine promise as a rookie and could be an improvement for the following five teams.

Other Potential Destinations

Carolina Panthers

The Panthers have done a remarkable job of surrounding Bryce Young with talented playmakers. The offensive line is sound, Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen are a fine duo, but the running back position still needs some help. Miles Sanders had a disastrous first season in Carolina, and the team can’t afford to cut him. What they can do, however, is trade for Dameon Pierce and get a proven, early-down runner to pair with Chuba Hubbard.

Arizona Cardinals

James Conner is still a good running back, but he’s not getting any younger. The former Steeler is entering his age-29 season and the Cardinals should start looking for a younger replacement. Dameon Pierce can be a fine short-term trade solution while the Cardinals draft a younger player in the fourth round of the NFL Draft.

Los Angeles Chargers

Jim Harbaugh wants to run the ball early and often, but it will be hard to do that with just Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins. Edwards is nothing more than a league-average back, and nobody knows how Dobbins will look following his Achilles injury. The team will almost certainly draft a running back, but if they miss on their preferred prospect, they could pivot and trade for Dameon Pierce.

Baltimore Ravens

Derrick Henry is the short-term answer for the Baltimore Ravens running back, but the team should try and find a long-term solution. While Keaton Mitchell is a more explosive player, he lacks the build and ferocious mentality to charge headfirst into the offensive line. Henry and Dameon Pierce have similar running styles, making him an ideal trade candidate for one of the top teams in the NFL.

Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders lost Josh Jacobs in free agency and have not done much to replace him. Zamir White and Alexander Mattison leave a lot to be desired, and Pierce should be an upgrade. Vegas believes they can compete in 2024, so they might as well trade a late-round selection and have Dameon Pierce try and lead them to the playoffs.