Cowboys need to consider avoiding a certain decision with key player
The Cowboys have the option of franchise-tagging running back Tony Pollard. However, getting a deal done would be smarter.
The Dallas Cowboys have one thing they desperately need to figure out this offseason, and that's what they're going to do with the running back position.
Ezekiel Elliott’s situation is about lower his price tag if he wants to stay with the Cowboys. However, probably the more important decision is what the Cowboys will do with the younger and more explosive Tony Pollard who is set to be a free agent.
Dallas has the option of placing the franchise tag on Pollard as a placeholder to work out a long-term contract next offseason. Cowboys' executive vice president Stephen Jones spoke on the matter in Indianapolis at the NFL scouting combine on Tuesday, and he gave an intriguing viewpoint as the team is set to meet with Pollard's representation this week.
“It’s not out of the question, but we certainly hadn’t determined whether we’ll do that," said Jones. "More than likely, we’ll use our tag. Not necessarily on Tony, but we’ll use our tag.”
The franchise tag for running backs next season is around $10.1 million. In 2024, that number will balloon to just under $13.9 million.
Getting a deal done now with Pollard makes sense for the Cowboys because if they do tag him this offseason and next, and his play continues to elevate, the price tag for a long-term deal will go up substantially. Plus, the Cowboys have recently seen what kicking the can down the road in terms of contracts can do.
In 2019, Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones said it was all but a foregone conclusion that quarterback Dak Prescott would get a long-term deal after his blazing start to the season which would have cost the team around $30 million annually at the time.
The two sides couldn’t find any common ground and Prescott was tagged for $31.4 million in 2020. A year later, Prescott signed a four-year extension for $160 million ($40 million annually) the day after he was tagged a second time.
Pollard has only improved every year since his rookie campaign in 2019. Last season was the ultimate as Pollard set career highs in carries (193), yards (1,007), and rushing touchdowns (9).
Pollard was named to his first Pro Bowl as a result.
The Cowboys should learn from their mistake with Prescott when it comes to Pollard. He's the Cowboys' most explosive player and they can get him locked in on a long-term deal at a reasonable price. It just makes more sense to do it that way.
It's highly unlikely that Pollard won't be on the Cowboys' roster next season, that would be foolish on their part. The unknown is what the price will be and for how long.
Feature image via Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports
