Cowboys sign former Wisconsin running back

The Dallas Cowboys signed former Philadelphia Eagles running back Corey Clement after a short stint in New York, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.

The Athletic’s Dallas Cowboys writer Jon Machota expanded on the signing.

“Cowboys needed a third RB with Rico Dowdle on IR,” Machota said. “Corey Clement, who went undrafted in 2017, had 21 carries for 75 yards and a TD last year with the Eagles. He also played 61% of Philadelphia’s special teams snaps, which is where he’ll likely make the biggest impact for Dallas”

Corey Clement, the Wisconsin product, is entering his fifth season in the league, having spent the last four in Philadelphia.

Clement re-signed with the Eagles prior to the 2020 season to a one-year deal and entered free agency after the season. In May, Clement signed with the New York Giants but was among the Giants’ cuts on Tuesday.

Now Clement joins his third team in the NFC East, moving from New York to Dallas. Clement joins a running back room that features Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard.

Elliott, the star of the room, looks to build off a relatively down year. The Ohio State product has rushed for over a thousand yards in three of his five NFL seasons. Elliott fell short of the 1000-yard mark in 2020, rushing for 979 yards and six touchdowns. Elliott averaged four yards per carry, and a little over 65 yards per game, both the lowest averages of his career.

Corey Clement will look to fill in behind Elliott and third-year back Tony Pollard, who rushed for 435 yards and four touchdowns last season.

As Machota reported, Clement will also contribute on special teams. Pollard has contributed in the Cowboys’ kick return game the past two seasons, but could see that role go to Clement as Pollard steps into a bigger role in the offense.

Corey Clement’s Wisconsin career

Corey Clement signed with the Eagles as an undrafted free agent in 2017 out of Wisconsin. In his four-year career in Madison, Clement rushed for 3,092 yards and 36 touchdowns on 576 carries in 43 games. As a senior, Clement rushed for 1,375 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, earning first-team All-Big Ten honors for his performance.

Corey Clement and the Cowboys open their season against the reigning Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday, Sept. 9.