Three free-agent running backs for the Dallas Cowboys in 2024
With Tony Pollard and Rico Dowdle about to become free agents, the Dallas Cowboys might need a running back in 2024. If one or both leave, these soon-to-be free agents might look pretty good in a Dallas uniform.
Saquon Barkley | New York Giants
Even with 25 games missed since 2018, Barkley has racked up 7,156 total yards and 45 touchdowns in 72 starts with the Giants. It may seem like he’s been around forever, but he’s actually just 81 days younger than Pollard.
Pollard’s 886 yards have him one spot ahead of Barkley (877) this year, but he also runs behind one of the better offensive lines in football. Both are playing on a franchise tag but Barkley seems less likely to re-sign with his team.
FS1’s Nick Wright wanted the Cowboys to deal for Barkley at the trade deadline, but the team was obviously satisfied with Pollard. But what if Pollard wasn’t there? Imagine plugging Barkley into an offense scoring 30.1 points per game, second-most in the NFL
According to spotrac.com both Barkley and Pollard should expect to sign three-year contracts with average annual salaries around $6.6M in 2024. At this point, Barkley may be seen as a lateral move but it’s fun to imagine him taking handoffs from Dak Prescott.
D’Andre Swift | Philadelphia Eagles
If not Barkley, the Cowboys could always pull from another division rival and add the Eagles’ top rusher to their backfield. Swift leads Philadelphia with 988 yards but has only five rushing touchdowns thanks to quarterback Jalen Hurts and the team’s infamous “Tush Push.”
Swift is a Philly native but may need to leave the city to get the recognition he deserves. Currently the NFL’s fifth-leading rusher, he’s often overlooked as one of the league’s elite backs. As part of “America’s Team,” the 24-year-old would get all the attention he needs and with a projected annual salary of $5.6M, the Cowboys would get a little help with the salary cap.
Devin Singletary | Houston Texans
If the Cowboys really want a bargain, they should look across the state at the Houston Texans’ leading rusher. Singletary’s 755 yards rank 25th among NFL running backs, but the former Buffalo Bill was stuck behind an ineffective Dameon Pierce for much of the season.
