Darren McFadden was a 1,000-yard rusher last season with the Cowboys, but he didn't emerge as the starter until injury and then off-the-field issues sent Joseph Randle away.

That's why Bears running back Matt Forte could be an intriguing free-agent acquisition for the Cowboys in 2016 -- at the right price, according to The Dallas Morning News.

Reacquiring DeMarco Murray Would Help Cowboys With Johnny Manziel

"The Cowboys would ideally like to add a younger running back who they could develop and pair with the veteran McFadden, who will be in the last season of his two-year deal in 2016," The Morning News reported. "But Forte certainly is an intriguing free agent. He's been among the most consistent and versatile backs since he entered the league. And, unlike McFadden, he doesn't come with a long injury history in the NFL.

"McFadden hasn't missed a game the last two seasons, but it's the only two seasons in the league in which he's played in all 16 games. Forte, on the other hand, has played in all 16 games in five of his eight seasons. He's missed only eight games in his eight-year career, including three in 2015."

Dez Bryant, Cowboys Fans Continue To Enable Greg Hardy

McFadden's agent tweeted that his client rushed for 402 yards and a 7.2 yard-per-carry average, but the difference between the 2014 and 2015 seasons for DeMarco Murray demonstrates how prolific the Cowboys' offensive line has been.

The Cowboys, however, went into 2015 believing that Joseph Randle was their featured back, which should further convince them to give Forte a look. The Bears recently announced they would not extend an offer to Forte for 2016.

Forte's presence in Dallas could help extend McFadden's career as well as his own, and it would bolster the Cowboys' ability to protect brittle quarterback Tony Romo by allowing him to hand off more often.

If the Cowboys believe they're a Super Bowl contender with a healthy Romo and wide receiver Dez Bryant, then Matt Forte is a free agent they must seriously consider.

For more content, follow us on Twitter @SportsWN or LIKE US on Facebook