Photo Courtesy: Michael Kolch
The Dallas Cowboys have released running back Joseph Randle. The news was announced yesterday shortly before noon. After the way things have been happening between him and the organization over the last few weeks, it can be said that this decision was coming. He’s been having personal issues over the past few weeks.
Randle, 23, was drafted in the fifth round in 2013 by Dallas out of Oklahoma State University. In his first two seasons, he served as the backup for DeMarco Murray. In his time as a backup, Randle was very reliable and had good performances. After Dallas lost DeMarco Murray in free agency, there was a a lot of talk about who would become the starter. Since the Cowboys did not draft a running back in the last draft, it was obvious that the Cowboys organization had much faith and confidence in Randle.
But it didn’t go the way the Cowboys thought it would. Through the first six games, Randle had 76 carries for only 315 yards and scored four touchdowns. In each game, he had less than a hundred yards, and it wasn’t getting him and the offense anywhere. In the game against the New York Giants in New Jersey, he was pulled after suffering a back injury, and a few days later lost the starting job and was inactive for the game against Seattle.
In his time in Dallas, Randle rushed for a total of 822 yards and scored nine touchdowns, but he had some off-the-field issues. Last season, he was arrested for stealing at a Dillards, and a few months later he was arrested for marijuana possession and domestic violence although the charges were eventually dropped due to lack of evidence.
Releasing Joseph Randle is the right decision for both the team and for Randle. The team needs a running back who can run smoothly, and it seems that Darren McFadden is exceeding expectations so far, but still needs improvement. For Randle, with his release, this gives him some time to resolve all his personal issues, and get his life and career back on track.
