Dallas Cowboys RB Tony Pollard's new deal is not so black and white
While the Dallas Cowboys figure out what to do at running back, there are a number of avenues they're considering. Releasing or pay cut of Ezekiel Elliott, extend or franchise tagging Tony Pollard, and potentially using a higher draft pick on the position. With the majority of the focus on Pollard. The rumor right now […]
While the Dallas Cowboys figure out what to do at running back, there are a number of avenues they're considering.
Releasing or pay cut of Ezekiel Elliott, extend or franchise tagging Tony Pollard, and potentially using a higher draft pick on the position.
With the majority of the focus on Pollard.
The rumor right now is that he will be franchised tagged. Making it the fourth year in a row that the Cowboys use the tag on a player.
It could simply be a placeholder for a continued negotiation beyond free agency. Currently his estimated value, according to Spotrac is $9 million per year. Which may actually be below his true market value.
Pollard's use on the Cowboys offense is more than just as a running back. He can be lined up in the backfield, as well as out wide at receiver. Being just as effective a runner as he is a reciever.
In fact, he is only one of two players from 2022 to average over both 8.0 yards per reception, and over 5.0 yards per rush. The only other being Jacksonville Jaguars RB Travis Etienne.
His value as just as effective a receiver as a runner puts him well outside the $9 million per year evaluation. More in the markets of other Pro Bowl running backs who are more than just pure runners.
Players who are multifaceted and are more alike to the modern day RB1. Names like Christian McCaffrey, Alvin Kamara or Dalvin Cook.
The average of all three running backs per year average is around $14.5 million.
However, as the Dallas Cowboys look to move on from Elliott, or at least make him take a pay cut, will they then be willing to use the cap savings to secure a different running back?
If the Cowboys do in fact use the franchise tag on Pollard and he plays through it for 2023, it gives him a guaranteed $10.1 million for the year. All affecting the salary cap with no wiggle room.
Pollard is much more of the modern-day NFL running back and would be much more worth paying a top five positional salary to.
In 2020, the Cowboys decided against paying for an All-Pro cornerback in Byron Jones and instead drafted his replacement in Trevon Diggs.
In 2022, the Cowboys replaced WR's Amari Cooper and Edge Randy Gregory with cheaper in-house options with Michael Gallup and Dorance Armstrong.
What does this mean for them in 2023?
Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman of USA TODAY Sports
