ESPN: Dallas Cowboys had interest in Tennessee RB Jaylen Wright before Dolphins traded up

Did the Miami Dolphins trade up for Jaylen Wright to prevent the Dallas Cowboys from stealing the playmaking running back?

When the Miami Dolphins shipped a 2025 third-round draft pick to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a fourth-rounder in last month’s NFL Draft, fans worldwide sat up in their seats, anxiously awaiting the team’s next move. Many, including myself, believed the trade-up could be to solidify Miami’s need on the offensive and defensive line or perhaps to land a wide receiver that the team felt they couldn’t pass on.

After the dust settled, Miami moved up to select Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright. At the time, the need for a running back didn’t seem uber-important, but after watching the film and seeing what type of impact Wright will have in Mike McDaniel’s offense, I couldn’t be more excited about the pick.

He also seemed to be a player the Dolphins could not pass on. Not only because of his skill set but also because other teams were lurking in the shadows, trying to land the running back prospect Miami wanted.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Dallas Cowboys were very interested in RB Jaylen Wright. Had he remained on the board, there was a good chance Jerry Jones and the Cowboys would have come calling.

“The Cowboys also really liked Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright, who went No. 120 overall (the 20th pick of the fourth round) to Miami. If the Cowboys had a fourth-rounder and Wright were still available, chances are they would have jumped on him.”

Like Miami, the Cowboys did not have a fourth-round draft pick, so their interest in Wright may have pushed General Manager Chris Grier to make the trade. Whatever the reason, the Dolphins landed a running back that many experts believe can be a starter in the NFL, and with Raheem Mostert not getting any younger and De’Von Achane’s durability concerns, Wright’s time in Miami could come sooner than expected.

What are your thoughts on Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright? Are you relieved to hear that the Dolphins beat out the Dallas Cowboys, among other teams, for the speedy running back? What type of role do you think Wright will have in his rookie season? Let us know in the comments section below!