At one point, it was largely assumed that bringing back Devin Singletary was a good-enough answer for GM Nick Caserio and the Houston Texans. Then came the speculation – based in part on what is believed to be a Saquon Barkley desire – that Houston might vault head-first into NFL free agency, with the “legal tampering” window open now, and sign the New York Giants star. But now comes a compromise concept of sorts. How about Tony Pollard of the Dallas Cowboys?

Pollard and Eagles back D’Andre Swift should be added to Houston’s pursuit list, according to beat writer Aaron Wilson. … and the reasoning is clear: Pollard and Swift are unlikely to cost what Barkley will. We are projecting the two-time Giants Pro Bowler to be a $10 million APY guy. … as while this market is flooded with good backs, Barkley on a good team might have a Christian McCaffrey-level impact.

Pollard and Swift? They might come in at a little over half of that number as teams comb through options that include names like Josh Jacobs and Austin Ekeler.

Pollard, coming off a serious leg injury last year, did not meet the Cowboys expectations in his first year as go-to back, after Dallas cut Ezekiel Elliott. But he and Swift offer speed and versatility. Of course, so does Singletary, who put up new career-high marks in carries (216) and rushing yards (898) as he came over from the Bills after he signed for just $1.77 million on a one-year deal. The Texans have options here – and how much they want to spend will apparently be a driving force.

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