New Cowboys coach gives Jerry Jones sleeper trade target to boost offense

The Luka Doncic trade is the top story in Dallas Fort Worth for obvious reasons. That is something the Dallas Cowboys, specifically owner Jerry Jones, should be grateful for, though it is worth noting that Jones and the Cowboys have quietly been on a roll.

The national media wouldn't dare give credit where it's due, but Dallas and head coach Brian Schottenheimer have put together a really strong coaching staff, signifying that moving on from Mike McCarthy may have been the right move after all.

Fresh off hiring run-game savant and offensive line whisperer Klayton Adams as offensive coordinator, the Cowboys have hired Derrick Foster as their new running backs coach, per Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

The Cowboys had interviewed Tashard Choice and Ra'Shaad Samples, who coach RBs at Texas and Oregon, respectively, but Foster is the pick and he brings a wealth of experience to Dallas' currently vacant backfield.

Could he bring something more?

Cowboys' new RBs coach Derrick Foster gives Dallas an ideal trade target

Foster was the Saints' running backs coach this past season and previously served in the same role with the Chargers for three years from 2021 to 2023.

Austin Ekeler's rise to a Pro Bowl caliber RB aligned with Foster's arrival in 2021. Ekeler accumulated nearly 2,500 rushing yards and a whopping 44 total touchdowns (30 rushing, 14 receiving) under Foster's tutelage. However, Ekeler is not the trade target in question.

That is Kendre Miller of the Saints.

A third-round pick in 2023, Miller's career hasn't quite got off the ground. Injuries have played a part in that, but former New Orleans head coach Dennis Allen seemed to have it out for him. The Saints and Allen put Miller on injured reserve last season when it seemingly wasn't called for.

While rumors continuing to point to the Saints hiring Kellen Moore as their head coach, Miller badly needs a change of scenery.

The Cowboys, meanwhile, only have one running back under contract for next season and that is Deuce Vaughn, who's been active for just 14 games in two seasons and has averaged a lowly 2.8 yards per carry.

Finding a new starter should obviously be Dallas' top priority, but Miller could step in as a dynamic second or third option for as little as a sixth- or seventh-round draft pick.

It was just two years ago that the Cowboys showed interest in Miller before the 2023 draft. While they didn't meet with him at the combine, they scheduled a private workout with the then-TCU phenom in addition to hosting him at The Star for a pre-draft visit.

Miller has the size and strength to withstand and run through contact. If Dallas targets a speedster early in the draft, Miller could step into the Rico Dowdle role as the team's bruising back.