NFL writer provides updates on the futures of two key Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys have one major thing to figure out this offseason, the running back position. Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard are a fantastic duo, rushing for almost 1,900 yards and touchdowns in 2022. However, with Elliott's salary and Pollard being a free agent, it's decision time in Dallas, and one NFL writer provided an […]
The Dallas Cowboys have one major thing to figure out this offseason, the running back position.
Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard are a fantastic duo, rushing for almost 1,900 yards and touchdowns in 2022. However, with Elliott's salary and Pollard being a free agent, it's decision time in Dallas, and one NFL writer provided an update and what could take place on Tuesday.
Tony Pauline on the futures of Pollard and Elliott:
"Tony Pollard is expected to receive the franchise tag from the Dallas Cowboys. With his four-year rookie contract coming to an end, Pollard has put together his two best seasons so far. This past year, he rushed for over 1,000 yards and added nearly 400 more through the air. He was the most dynamic weapon this Cowboys offense had, raking in nine rushing touchdowns with another three receiving.
"At the same time, people in Mobile believe Ezekiel Elliott, who is scheduled to make $16.7 million this coming season, will take a large pay cut. Since signing a massive six-year, $90 million deal back in 2019, Elliott’s production has done nothing but go downhill. He is technically still young, only 27 years old, but for a running back, that is borderline."
The franchise tag for running backs in 2023 is a little over $10 million, around the same amount that the Cowboys paid tight end, Dalton Schultz, when he was tagged a year ago. Pollard averaged almost six yards per touch this season and had five scores over 30 yards.
Pollard's season is even more impressive considering he had 16 fewer touches than Elliott put provided over 400 more yards of production and scored the same amount of touchdowns. Simply put, the Cowboys are a better offense when he gets the ball in his hands.
Elliott had the lowest rushing total of his career this season with 876 yards and his 3.8 yards per rush was also his worst. It's possible that Elliott could have reached 1,00 yards had he not missed two games. However, it's clear to see that he's not the player he once was, although he does still provide some value.
The two-time rushing champion has said that he's willing to take a pay cut to stay with the Cowboys, which speaks a lot about his character. The Cowboys have said they want him back as well, but also mentioned that the money has to work for all parties involved.
With free agency set to start next month and the NFL draft to follow in April, this situation will become a lot clearer.
Feature image via Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports
