Blogging The Boys
Jaydon Blue’s rookie season came with inordinate scrutiny for a fifth-round pick. It won’t get any better in year two, with Blue likely drawing as much attention as any offensive player during the Cowboys’ 2026 training camp and preseason.
Years in NFL: 1
Acquired by: 2025 5th-round pick
Why is Blue in such a strange spotlight, given where he was drafted? It starts with where he played college ball: Texas. From 2022-2023 with the Longhorns, Blue was stuck behind future NFL players like Bijan Robinson and Jonathon Brooks. While his touches did go up dramatically in 2024, Blue remained a backup to Tre Wisner. Still, he had enough exposure that some draft analysts gave him a Day 2 grade based on athletic potential.
Last year, running back was a hot topic in Dallas going into the draft. After Rico Dowdle’s breakout season, and subsequent free agency departure to Carolina, the Cowboys hadn’t made any big moves to replace him. They signed Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders out of the bargain bin, seemingly focusing on the draft to find their next franchise back.
But in what was considered a very deep RB class, Dallas kept using picks elsewhere. Days 1 and 2 went without a RB pick, leaving some fans scratching their heads. Then there was a big run on RBs in the fourth round, in which the Cowboys had no pick because of the Jonathan Mingo trade the year before. More attention, more angst, and then finally relief when Jaydon Blue, from just three hours up the road, became the long-awaited running back pick.
You can see why Blue was a walk-in focal point – former Longhorn, supposedly deep RB class, sub 4.4 speed. But unfortunately, Blue wasn’t ready for that kind of attention, or perhaps even to be in the NFL. By his own admission, Blue didn’t approach his rookie year with the maturity or effort required. It soon became clear that he was in the coaches’ doghouse, being inactive for most of the season and only getting significant touches in the team’s regular-season finale.
That otherwise meaningless game was big for Blue. He produced 64 yards and a touchown on 16 carries, flashing potential and restoring hope for his future. And with more positive comments this offseason about his approach to the game, especially his own statements of regret and renewed focus, Blue remains a figure of intrigue going into his second season.
Years Left: 3
2026 Cap Hit: $1.11 million
If Blue can become the pace-changer guy behind Williams, it will be at a lovely rookie contract discount for at least the next few years. As it stands, money won’t be a factor in the roster battle as all backup contenders are making near the league minimum.
Role: Backup RB
Roster Chance: 95%
If Blue is truly the changed man that he and the coaches are claiming, then he’s almost assuredly on the team. He offers more sizzle and...
