The Dallas Cowboys are willing to spend money at the running back position even though they will let running back Tony Pollard to explore the waters of free agency.

The owner Jerry Jones’ reluctance to pursue big-game acquisitions in free agency, regardless of positional value, might actually be the greater problem.

Dallas appears to make sense as a free-agent suitor for a running back in his assortment of suits. Derrick Henry of the Tennessee Titans and Josh Jacobs, the bellcow of the Las Vegas Raiders, appear to blend in well with a backfield that lacked strength in between the tackles.

There has also been talk of other running backs being signed by the Cowboys. Dallas’ “all in” 2024 season may benefit from the arrival of Philadelphia Eagles dynamo D’Andre Swift and New York Giants running back Saquan Barkley, albeit in a different mold than Henry or Jacobs—bruising backs in a hard contract to the 2023 offense.

Thus, on ESPN’s “NFL Live,” former Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera discussed the backs he was ready to play twice a season and how they would mesh with the Cowboys.

Rivera stated, “I believe they should go out and sign a running back.” “I genuinely think that improving their running game will benefit their passing game, which is already excellent as well.

Thus, I think it can be even better. Barkley or D’Andre Swift would be the players I would go out and sign. Return Pollard as well. However, you have a chance to improve your running game and assist your football squad. Without a doubt, it will improve your passing technique even further.

Pollard might make a comeback, but doing so without a strong complementing player would be dangerously reckless. Restricting his touches and giving him a job that’s a little more representative of his 2022 season may be beneficial, regardless of whether that’s a mid-round selection pick or a separate, inexpensive veteran.

Although Swift is a representation of the dynamic play that Pollard appeared to lack in 2023, he is not a one-to-one replacement. Swift shared the He, Barkley, and Pollard combined for the highest predicted points added per carry, but they had the least amount of rushing yards over expectations. He’s a boom-or-bust back with the ability to produce huge plays, but his NFL career has been marred by inconsistent play for a long time.

Barkley is also someone you should consider. The deal that some predict may turn away from those unwilling to pay running backs, but Dallas would be relying heavily on their offensive line. Barkley showed last season that he is a talented player, but his rookie form is not returning. With such a strong group in front of him, more huge plays might be coming soon.

But there are still issues with durability and mileage, particularly since he isn’t as explosive as he was when he ran infuriatingly early in his career.

It’s usually a good idea to take advantage of division opponents becoming weaker. In theory, it sounds fantastic when the Cowboys acquire the final piece of the puzzle and the Giants or Eagles deteriorate at running back. Nevertheless, Dallas might be forced to draft a back instead because to the excess value—or lack thereof.