Cowboys 2016 Free Agency: RB Matt Forte a cheap option

Could the Dallas Cowboys look to free agency to add an inexpensive veteran running back like Matt Forte to the mix in 2016?

The Dallas Cowboys offensive backfield started in shambles in 2015. After losing the NFL’s leading rusher from the year before to free agency, the Cowboys set their sights on establishing a running back by committee in Dallas. Six games into the season, the Cowboys threw that philosophy out the window and focused their running attack through veteran Darren McFadden. The other two heads of the three-man committee, backs Joseph Randle and Christine Michael, were off the team by mid-season.

McFadden finished the regular season rushing for 1,089 and three scores. Run DMC was the fourth leading rusher in the NFL by season’s end, despite only starting 10 games last year. But the 28-year old McFadden has a vast injury history and can not be relied on as a workhorse back moving forward. And his lack of touchdowns last season helped the Cowboys obtain a lackluster 4-12 record.

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The Cowboys are expected to address the running back position in the upcoming NFL Draft as names like Ohio State’s Ezekiel Elliott and Alabama’s Derrick Henry are being tossed around in speculation. But Dallas could also look to free agency to help reinforce their offensive backfield.

One of the bigger names in free agency will be Chicago Bears veteran running back Matt Forte. The 30-year old is coming off one of the worst statistical seasons of his eight-year career (898 rushing yards, 44 receptions, seven total touchdowns). But he is still considered one of the top backs that is scheduled to hit the open market in March. Coming off a monster salary last year ($9.2 million cap hit), the free agent was expected to demand a rather high price tag to move on from the Windy City.

But Forte recently announced he’s now less interested in money and more interested in winning a championship. That should be music to every Cowboy front office executive’s ears. If Forte is willing to play on a modest, team-friendly deal, Dallas could be the perfect landing spot for him.

Forte is the ultimate utility back, who can do a bit of everything. Most notably, he’s an excellent recevier out of the backfield. In 2014, Forte recorded an astounding 102 catches, 808 receiving yards and four touchdowns for the Bears. That same season, the Cowboys went 12-4 and went two games deep into the postseason. But their Super Bowl plans were sidetracked last season when starting quarterback Tony Romo was lost to injury.

Going in 2016, the Dallas Cowboys look to take an overall better group into the postseason, behind one of the most talented offensive lines in the NFL. So far, there isn’t a running back who doesn’t want to play in Dallas and their O-line. Why should Forte be any different?

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