The Dallas Cowboys have answered one of their biggest questions of the offseason: what to do with Tony Pollard. Reports on Monday indicate that the Cowboys will place the franchise tag on Pollard this week.

Pollard was set to hit free agency this offseason after a breakout season in 2022. He emerged as a dynamic offensive weapon as a rusher and receiver. When he was on the field, it was evident that the Cowboys were much better.

The news to tag Pollard comes as no surprise. Things were trending that way last week. All that this does is confirm that the two sides have been unable to negotiate a deal that works for both sides.

By placing the tag on Pollard, the Cowboys will pay the dynamic back more than $10 million for the 2023 season. That is assuming that the two sides are unable to eventually work out a deal that extends the years and lowers the cap hit.

Now, the Cowboys will look to address their other key free agents. Dalton Schultz played on the tag last season, and it is looking like he will be on a different team once the free agency window opens later this month.

Other free agents that Dallas needs to figure out include linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, safety Donovan Wilson, and offensive tackle Terrence Steele. Obviously, the franchise tag will not be in play for any of them.

Securing Pollard is a smart move, at least on paper. While the Cowboys very well could have drafted a running back — and still can — there is no denying how much more explosive and dynamic the offense was with Pollard on the field.

The attention turns to how Pollard recovers from his ankle injury that was suffered in the final game of the season. Fortunately, it appears that he will make a full recovery in time for the 2023 schedule.

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