The Dallas Cowboys will let running back Tony Pollard test the waters of free agency, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t willing to spend at the running back position.
In fact, the bigger issue may be owner Jerry Jones’ unwillingness to go big-game hunting in free agency at all, regardless of positional value.
In mixing and matching free-agent fits, Dallas seems to make sense for a running back. Tennessee Titans star Derrick Henry and Las Vegas Raiders bell-cow Josh Jacobs seem like they easily fit into a backfield that lacked potency between the tackles.
Other running backs have gotten some Cowboys-bound hype, too. Although in a different mold than Henry or Jacobs – bruising backs in a hard contract to the 2023 offense – New York Giants running back Saquan Barkley and Philadelphia Eagles dynamo D’Andre Swift could be quality additions to Dallas’ “all in” 2024 season.
As such, former Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera spoke about the backs he prepared to face twice each season and how they’d fit with the Cowboys on ESPN’s “NFL Live”.
“I think they need to go out and sign a running back,” Rivera said. “I really do believe that if they get better with that running game, that’s really going to help their passing game – which is also very good right now.
“So, it can be even better, I believe. I’d go out and sign Barkley or I’d go out and sign D’Andre Swift. Even bring Pollard back. But you’ve got an opportunity to help your football team by being better in your running game. It will most certainly make your passing game even better.”
Pollard may return, though it’d be borderline irresponsible to do so without a quality complementary back in the fold. Whether that’s a mid-round draft pick or a separate, cheap veteran, limiting his touches a bit and giving him a role a little more emblematic of his 2022 season may be worthwhile.
Swift represents the dynamic play Pollard seemed to lack in 2023, but that doesn’t make him a one-to-one upgrade. Swift posted the highest expected points added per rush between him, Barkley, and Pollard but had the worst rushing yards over expected. He’s a boom-or-bust back who has the talent to create big plays but inconsistencies that have long plagued his NFL career.
Barkley is worth taking a look at, too. Those who don’t want to pay running backs may shy away from the deal some anticipate, but Dallas would be banking on its offensive line. Barkley’s rookie form isn’t coming back, but he proved to be a quality player last season. With a formidable unit in front of him, even more big plays could be on the cusp.
However, mileage and durability concerns remain, especially given that he isn’t as explosive as he was when he ran rampant early in his career.
Taking advantage of division rivals getting weaker is generally a good idea. The Giants or Eagles getting worse at running back while the Cowboys get a finishing puzzle piece sounds great in theory. However, the surplus value (or lack thereof) may push Dallas into drafting a back instead.
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