FRISCO, TX — Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard was franchise tagged back in March. The terms stated a one-year deal with $10.09 million guaranteed. The Cowboys have until July 17 to negotiate a deal with Pollard, if they don’t agree the tag will stay in place for the 2023 season and Pollard will become a free agent in 2024. The four-year Memphis product is looking for a long-term extension from Dallas and a well deserved payday.
If the Cowboys give Pollard a long-term deal it would secure Dallas a solid backfield for the future since parting ways with Ezekiel Elliott following the 2022 season. Pollard was RB2 in Dallas behind Elliott this past season but quickly moved his way to the top after having a breakout season and proving he was one of the top big playmakers in the NFL.
A deal would give Pollard commitment from his organization as well as show Pollard that Dallas is invested in him long term. With Pollard already being 26 years old, the deal would probably be something close to a three year deal, seeing how most running backs get beat up and retire before the age of 30.
If the Cowboys decide to not go with a long-term deal and stay the course of the franchise tag it will give the front office more time to evaluate Pollard after coming back from a broken leg he suffered back in January. It’s also Pollard’s first NFL season as RB1 and another season could give Dallas more to go off of.
Pollard needs to show that he has improved in his pass protection as well as short yard situations. What made Pollard so effective last season was his quickness and ability to flash and twitch. If Pollard can bounce back from the leg injury and show the same spark as last season then the long-term deal will most likely come this upcoming offseason. If it goes the other way and he shows decline from the injury and no improvement despite more snaps in the backfield, Dallas might part ways after the season.
The deadline is quickly approaching but it might be in Pollard’s best interest to stay with the tag. If he can have a season like he did last year AND show improvement he could really run up the bank if he can become one of the lead rushers in the league.
