The Dallas Cowboys have a running back room to address by the time the 2024 league year begins on March 13.
This 2024 free agency class of running backs is one of the most star-studded ones in recent memory — featuring a past 2,000-yard back and recent league rushing leaders. Which ones look like the best fit for the Cowboys’ offense and can have a workable cap figure?
Dallas Cowboys Free Agency Predictions: Running Back Targets
The Cowboys’ need for an RB stems from Tony Pollard heading toward free agency. He checks in as PFN’s No. 4 top free agent running back.
Pollard, one offseason ago, agreed to the franchise tag to stay in Dallas. However, that was for one year only, and now he’s eligible to sign elsewhere. Meanwhile, the Cowboys have a plethora of backfield options to choose from. Here are some of their best options.
Make a Run at Josh Jacobs
Jacobs is going to be considered one of the harder backs to court away from his current home. He’s expected to hit nearly $11 million annually for his next contract. The Las Vegas Raiders are likely to try and keep him from drifting off.
Yet at the same time, the Silver and Black are facing the possibility of losing the 2022 NFL rushing leader.
If the Cowboys want a workhorse and the youngest option out there, Jacobs fits the criteria. He’s only 26 and still looks like he’s got lots left in the tank. He’s also a receiving option like Pollard, with two 50-catch seasons on his résumé.
With his inside gashing ability, he could be the perfect young, hard-nosed back for head coach Mike McCarthy and his offense.
Look Into Austin Ekeler If Jacobs Becomes Hard To Sign
Dallas can stay in the AFC West and pilfer another star from that division in case Jacobs is unable to join the Cowboys.
That’s where Austin Ekeler of the Los Angeles Chargers comes in. Unlike Jacobs, Ekeler ended up playing out the final year of his contract in 2023 and didn’t sign a franchise tag or extension. Now with Jim Harbaugh in place as head coach and the Chargers having plenty of roster areas to address, Ekeler is likely on his way out.
Ekeler is the more accomplished receiving option compared to Jacobs. The longtime Charger snatched 107 passes in 2022 and has a 92-catch season from 2019 on his stat sheet. Given the fact that he’s 29, Ekeler is likely not going to command a long-term deal and rates as a less expensive idea for Dallas compared to Jacobs.
The downside with Ekeler is that he’s never been a true inside power back. He appeared to look more like a slot receiver out of the backfield in past Charger offenses. But still, he’s a strong option for Dallas, and his proven versatility makes him all the more intriguing.
Make Up for Lost Time, Bring in Derrick Henry
Cowboys fans likely recall the year Henry was drafted 45th overall: 2016. It was also the same year Dallas took Ezekiel Elliott at fourth overall.
Elliott rose to early fame with his breakout rookie season, but Henry became the more decorated runner with two NFL rushing titles, including his 2,027-yard season in 2020.
Now, with Henry available as a free agent, and Dallas needing a powerful chain-mover, this signing can make up for lost time. Granted, at 30, Henry is being labeled as a back with wear and tear on his treads. He may not be considered the RB he once was. Plus, he’s never been known for his receiving ability, which is a trait that is coveted in the Cowboys offense.
Yet, Henry is coming off a 1,167-yard season. If McCarthy wants to pound teams into submission, Henry is perfect for that role.
Underrated Options for Dallas? D’Andre Swift and Devin Singletary
To reiterate: the 2024 class of free agent running backs is full of household names. But there are some underrated options too.
Enter D’Andre Swift and Devin Singletary — two free agents coming off career-best campaigns.
Swift, PFN’s No. 6 ranked free agent RB, put together his first Pro Bowl season playing for the rival Philadelphia Eagles in ’23. Swift racked up 1,263 yards from scrimmage and comes with receiving versatility.
KEEP READING: 2024 NFL Free Agent Rankings — Top 100 Players
Singletary may be considered the lesser name, but he compiled 898 rushing yards in 10 starts for a Houston Texans team that snatched the AFC South title. And Singletary has produced three straight 1,000 all-purpose-yard seasons — a feat he managed in part while splitting carries with the Buffalo Bills.
Between the two, Swift would be considered the best RB1 option, given his stellar ’23 season. Singletary would be considered a change-of-pace choice. But both are RBs who likely won’t command the kind of money attached to someone like Jacobs…making them signable for Dallas.
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