While free agency officially begins in March, roster turnover isn't too far away. The Cowboys will indeed add and presumably release players, along with letting some go without a new contract.
However, the majority of the 2018 roster is already in place. In the coming weeks, the staff of DallasCowboys.com will preview those players, analyzing where they've been and where they're going.
Today, we continue the series with running back Rod Smith.
Views of #45 Running Back Rod Smith from the 2017-18 Regular Season.
10 September 2017: Rod Smith (45)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 1 regular season 19-3 win over the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
17 September 2017: Rod Smith (45)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 2 regular season 42-17 loss to the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
17 September 2017: Rod Smith (45)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 2 regular season 42-17 loss to the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
17 September 2017: Rod Smith (45)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 2 regular season 42-17 loss to the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
17 September 2017: Rod Smith (45)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 2 regular season 42-17 loss to the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
17 September 2017: Rod Smith (45)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 2 regular season 42-17 loss to the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
25 September 2017: Rod Smith (45)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 3 regular season 28-17 win over the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
25 September 2017: Rod Smith (45)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 3 regular season 28-17 win over the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
01 October 2017: Rod Smith (45)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 4 regular season 35-30 loss to the Los Angeles Rams at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
01 October 2017: Rod Smith (45)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 4 regular season 35-30 loss to the Los Angeles Rams at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys fullback Rod Smith (45) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (NFL Photos via AP)
01 October 2017: Rod Smith (45)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 4 regular season 35-30 loss to the Los Angeles Rams at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
01 October 2017: Rod Smith (45)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 4 regular season 35-30 loss to the Los Angeles Rams at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
08 October 2017: Rod Smith (45)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 5 regular season 35-31 loss to the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
08 October 2017: Rod Smith (45)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 5 regular season 35-31 loss to the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys fullback Rod Smith (45) catches a pass for a first down as Green Bay Packers safety Josh Jones (27) defends in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
08 October 2017: Rod Smith (45)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 5 regular season 35-31 loss to the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
21 October 2017: Jaylon Smith, Rod Smith and Keith Smith
of the Dallas Cowboys during their walk through practice at San Jose City College Jaguar Stadium before their week 7 regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
22 October 2017: Rod Smith (45)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 7 regular season 40-10 win over the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys running back Rod Smith (45) runs against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)
22 October 2017: Rod Smith (45)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 7 regular season 40-10 win over the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
29 October 2017: Rod Smith (41)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 8 regular season 33-19 win over the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
29 October 2017: Rod Smith (41)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 8 regular season 33-19 win over the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
29 October 2017: Rod Smith (41)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 8 regular season 33-19 win over the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
29 October 2017: Rod Smith (41)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 8 regular season 33-19 win over the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
29 October 2017: Rod Smith (41)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 8 regular season 33-19 win over the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys running back Rod Smith (45) celebrates a tackle on a kickoff return during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
DAL Vs ATL Departure
DAL Vs ATL
DAL Vs ATL
DAL Vs ATL
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) hands the ball off to fullback Rod Smith (45) during a week 10 NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Atlanta. Atlanta won 27-7. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Dallas Cowboys running back Rod Smith (45) runs during a 2017 NFL week 10 regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017 in Atlanta, Ga. The Falcons defeated the Cowboys, 27-7. (James D. Smith via AP)
Dallas Cowboys running back Rod Smith (45) is hit by Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Vic Beasley (44) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Dallas Cowboys fullback Rod Smith (45) tries to avoid Atlanta Falcons linebacker Vic Beasley Jr. (44) during an NFL football game, Sunday, November 12, 2017, in Atlanta. The Falcons won 27-7. (Jeff Haynes/AP Images for Panini)
12 November 2017: Rod Smith (45)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 10 regular season 27-7 loss to the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
19 November 2017: Rod Smith (45)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 11 regular season 37-9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
19 November 2017: Rod Smith (45)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 11 regular season 37-9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
19 November 2017: Rod Smith (45)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 11 regular season 37-9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
19 November 2017: Rod Smith (45)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 11 regular season 37-9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
19 November 2017: Rod Smith (45)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 11 regular season 37-9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
19 November 2017: Rod Smith (45)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 11 regular season 37-9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
23 November 2017: Rod Smith (45)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 12 regular season 28-6 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
23 November 2017: Rod Smith (45)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 12 regular season 28-6 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
23 November 2017: Rod Smith (45)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 12 regular season 28-6 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
23 November 2017: Rod Smith (45)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 12 regular season 28-6 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
DAL vs LAC
23 November 2017: Rod Smith (45)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 12 regular season 28-6 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis (27), running back Rod Smith (45) and running back Alfred Morris (46) are seen prior to an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Redskins, 38-14. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Dallas Cowboys running back Rod Smith (45) runs the football during an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Redskins, 38-14. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Dallas Cowboys fullback Rod Smith (45) carries the ball during a week 13 NFL football game against the Washington Redskins on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. Dallas won 38-14. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Dallas Cowboys running back Rod Smith (45) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Redskins, 38-14. (Ryan Kang via AP)
30 November 2017: Rod Smith (45) of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 13 regular season 38-14 win over the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys fullback Rod Smith (45) reacts an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins on Sunday, Dec. 3rd, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (NFL Photos via AP)
Dallas Cowboys fullback Rod Smith (45) reacts an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins on Sunday, Dec. 3rd, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (NFL Photos via AP)
Dallas Cowboys running back Rod Smith runs the ball during an NFL football game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. (Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini)
10 December 2017: Rod Smith (45)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 14 regular season 30-10 win over the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys running back Rod Smith (45) runs for a touchdown against the New York Giants during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Dallas Cowboys running back Rod Smith (45) runs for a touchdown against the New York Giants during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Cowboys won 30-10.(AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Dallas Cowboys running back Rod Smith (45) runs for a touchdown against the New York Giants during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Dallas Cowboys running back Rod Smith (45) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the New York Giants during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Dallas Cowboys running back Rod Smith (45) runs the ball against New York Giants free safety Darian Thompson (27) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Dallas Cowboys running back Rod Smith (45) motions for a first down against the New York Giants during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Dallas Cowboys running back Rod Smith (45) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the New York Giants during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
10 December 2017: Rod Smith (45)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 14 regular season 30-10 win over the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
10 December 2017: Rod Smith (45)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 14 regular season 30-10 win over the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys running back Rod Smith (45) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the New York Giants during the fourth quarter NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) and running back Rod Smith (45) celebrate after Rod Smith scored a touchdown against the New York Giants during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Cowboys won 30-10.(AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Dallas Cowboys running back Rod Smith (45) celebrates with fullback Keith Smith (41) after scoring a touchdown against the New York Giants during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
10 December 2017: Rod Smith (45)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 14 regular season 30-10 win over the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
17 December 2017: Rod Smith (45)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 15 regular season 20-17 win over the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
17 December 2017: Rod Smith (45)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 15 regular season 20-17 win over the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
17 December 2017: Rod Smith (45)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 15 regular season 20-17 win over the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
17 December 2017: Rod Smith (45)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 15 regular season 20-17 win over the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
17 December 2017: Rod Smith (45)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 15 regular season 20-17 win over the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys running back Rod Smith, center, scores a touchdown between Oakland Raiders linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) and strong safety Keith McGill II (39) during the first half of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)
Dallas Cowboys fullback Keith Smith (41) spikes the football after a touchdown run by running back Rod Smith (45) during a 2017 NFL week 15 regular season game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017 in Oakland, Calif. The Cowboys defeated the Raiders, 20-17. (James D. Smith via AP)
17 December 2017: Rod Smith (45)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 15 regular season 20-17 win over the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
24 December 2017: Rod Smith (45)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 16 regular season 21-12 loss to the Seattle Seahawks at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The award was accepted by Michelle Witten and family. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
24 December 2017: Rod Smith (45)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 16 regular season 21-12 loss to the Seattle Seahawks at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The award was accepted by Michelle Witten and family. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys running back Rod Smith (45) carries the ball during a week 16 NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. Seattle won 21-12. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
24 December 2017: Rod Smith (45)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 16 regular season 21-12 loss to the Seattle Seahawks at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The award was accepted by Michelle Witten and family. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
What's Been Good:
Smith is one of this roster's best success stories. Claimed off waivers from Seattle in 2015, he persisted through a temporary change to fullback, then back to running back, and emerged as a quality backup to All-Pro caliber starter Ezekiel Elliott. Smith earned a weekly game day roster spot due to his contributions on special teams and eventually split touches with Alfred Morris during Elliott's six-game suspension (43 carries, 13 catches to Morris' 99 carries and 6 catches). For the season, Smith rushed 55 times for 232 yards (4.2 average) and 4 touchdowns while catching 19 passes for 202 yards with one score. The Cowboys decided to release veteran Darren McFadden in December due in part to Smith's rise as a capable all-around contributor.
What's Been Bad:
Not much to harp on regarding Smith's role. If anything, he and Morris needed a couple of games to gain traction in the run game when Elliott got suspended. During the Cowboys' three-game losing streak – a miserable stretch for the entire offense – Smith had 20 carries for 66 yards and one touchdown, though some of his work came in short yardage. He got better as the games went along.
2017 Highlight:
Prior to the Cowboys' Dec. 10 to the Meadowlands, Smith had two career touchdowns – both in the previous two games against the L.A. Chargers and Washington Redskins. Against the Giants, he sealed a 30-10 Cowboys victory with two scores in the final five minutes: an 81-yard catch and run, followed by a 15-yard run.
What's Next:
With McFadden no longer on the roster and Morris set to be a free agent, it's possible Smith opens training camp as the No. 2 back. That's a credit to the trust he has earned from the coaching staff.
- Smith is a perfect example of how things can work out for a scouting department when it comes to player evaluation.
- Identify the player, discuss his potential role on the squad and work to obtain his services.
- What has to make the front office and staff proud is the way that Smith has developed as a player in each of the seasons he has been with the club.
- He has gone from practice squad player to core special teamer to now a reliable, dependable player on the offense as a backup running back.
- For Smith, it's been a transition that he's made look smooth.
- Whatever the staff he has asked him to do, he has been able to accomplish.
- Even with a deep running back draft class, I envision the front office still viewing Smith as that primary backup to Elliott which will allow them to be more selective where they address the position, if at all.
