Three free-agent running backs for the Dallas Cowboys in 2024

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.

Singletary’s 4.3 yards per carry average is 1.4 yards better than that of Pierce and slightly better than Barkley or Swift’s 4.0 yards per carry. With just 848 career rushing attempts, he also should have plenty left in the tank next year.

Unlike Barkley, Pollard and Swift, Singletary has missed only one game over the past four seasons. If durability matters, the 26-year-old can expect a three-year deal with an average annual salary around $4.3 million in 2024.