After running back Bhayshul Tuten underwent finger surgery, the Jacksonville Jaguars moved quickly to add depth to their backfield. Sure, fellow rookie LeQuint Allen will pick up some of the slack, but the team needed a No. 3 behind him and Travis Etienne. Enter DeeJay Dallas.
The Jags signed Dallas a few days after the win over the New York Jets. He's fit right in as he grew up rooting for former All-Pro running back Maurice Jones-Drew. Surprisingly, the admiration is mutual.
Jaguars legend Maurice Jones-Drew likes DeeJay Dallas
After signing with the Jags, DeeJay Dallas met with the local media and said that he was a fan of Maurice Jones-Drew growing up, noting that he was hyped up when he gave him a follow on Instagram.
"He followed me on Instagram when I was in Seattle, and I was like, dang, that's sweet. That's sweet," Dallas told reporters, via Action News Jax. "But, yeah, I kind of DM him every chance I get asked for advice, MoJo, being undersized, but big heart, that's because I played quarterback in high school. You know, everybody telling me, like, 'Oh, you too little to play quarterback,' so I kind of use that chip underside. I'm gonna do it. But then I get to college play running back, and the rest is history."
Jones-Drew caught wind of Dallas' interview and made it clear that he was a "huge DeeJay Dallas fan!!!"
Man i’m a huge DeeJay Dallas fan!!! Go jags https://t.co/2OEc906WG4
— Maurice Jones-Drew (@MJD) December 18, 2025
A fourth-round pick in 2020, Dallas played four seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. He also spent time with the Arizona Cardinals and, more recently, the Carolina Panthers. In 81 career games, he's toted the rock 122 times for 517 yards with four touchdowns.
Related: Trevor Lawrence went all facts and no filter on rookie LeQuint Allen
DeeJay Dallas gives the Jaguars valuable depth at running back
DeeJay Dallas must be on cloud nine, having grown up a Jaguars fan. Now he gets to play for his favorite NFL team and will have a chance to audition for future jobs beyond 2025. Bhayshul Tuten will be back for the playoffs, so there's a chance he can be waived then, so he'll have to take advantage of whatever opportunities he gets.
In Jacksonville, Dallas will probably get a few carries behind Travis Etienne. As a matter of fact, having him around will allow LeQuint Allen to keep his role as a blocker.
The Jaguars signed DeeJay Dallas because they believe he can help them win games, and he'll get to showcase his skills while playing for his favorite team. It's a win-win situation for everyone involved.
