Dallas Cowboys vs. Green Bay Packers: Madden simulation predicts Dallas win in Wild Card Round

A valuable player from the Philadelphia Eagles, their bitter rivals, may be signed by the Dallas Cowboys.

According to Matt Holder of Bleacher Report, Eagles running back D’Andre Swift is one free agency that teams ought to be keeping an eye on. The Cleveland Browns and Green Bay Packers are the other two “possible” teams Holder cites. The Cowboys are one of the three teams on his list.

Holder adds, “Swift shouldn’t expect a large contract this spring, as the free-agent market is cruel to running backs in today’s NFL, as demonstrated by last offseason.” But he had a breakout year last year, breaking 1,000 yards in the passing game for the first time as a pro and making his first Pro Bowl appearance.

With almost 200 receptions and over 1,400 receiving yards in four years, the Georgia product is also capable of catching passes out of the backfield, which could help raise his value. He’s a terrific attacking weapon when healthy.

Why the Cowboys Could Pursue D’Andre Swift

The 25-year-old Swift established himself as the clear go-to back in Philly’s backfield after entering the season as the backup to Week 1 starter Kenneth Gainwell. After carrying the ball just one time with two total touches in Week 1, Swift ran for a career-high 175 rushing yards and a touchdown in a Week 2 win over the Minnesota Vikings.

With the exception of missing the Eagles’ Week 18 season finale against the New York Giants, Swift has started every game since.

The idea of the Cowboys showing interest in Swift isn’t surprising considering they have a free agent of their own entering the offseason. Tony Pollard, who has served as the team’s starting back this season and clinched a Pro Bowl bid during the 2022 season, is due to be a free agent.

Tony Pollard Unlikely to Sign Big-Money Deal in Offseason

However, with the declining value of running backs in the market, it’s unlikely that Pollard lands a deal worth more than the $10.1 million he’s earning this season. Furthermore, his decline in play and lack of production in the red zone — he had six total touchdowns this season in comparison to the 12 he posted last season — makes it unlikely he’ll garner a big payday in free agency.

According to Spotrac, his market value is projected to be $6.6 million per season across three years at a total of $19.8 million.

Although a reunion between the Cowboys and Pollard would undoubtedly be beneficial, Dallas pursuing Swift might be a better choice, or a fallback plan. With an average of 4.6 yards per carry this season and across his career, there’s little question that he’s one of the league’s more dynamic backs.

Swift’s market worth is only $5.6 million annually, or $22.7 million over the course of four seasons, according to Spotrac.

The more likely possibility is that Pollard is just re-signed by the Cowboys at a lower annual cost. However, if Pollard shows interest in the free agency market, Dallas’ pursuit of Swift actually becomes a reality.

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