National outlet warns Cowboys of potential mistake
The Dallas Cowboys have a luxury that most teams don't. They have two capable running backs, Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard. 2022 marks the end of Pollard's rookie deal. The former Memphis Tiger has electrified Cowboys fans since his arrival. However, his potential departure can't be denied and suitors will be coming for his services. […]
The Dallas Cowboys have a luxury that most teams don't. They have two capable running backs, Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard.
2022 marks the end of Pollard's rookie deal. The former Memphis Tiger has electrified Cowboys fans since his arrival. However, his potential departure can't be denied and suitors will be coming for his services.
On Thursday, Maurice Jones-Drew of NFL.com released his list of seven running backs who can't be allowed to hit the open market in 2023. Pollard of the Cowboys was one of them.
Jones-Drew on Pollard's potential departure:
"With Ezekiel Elliott's production dropping off dramatically in recent years, there's no guarantee he'll be donning the star in 2023. I don't think the Cowboys would be keen on potentially parting ways with both Zeke and Pollard. The latter has been so explosive in Dallas' offense when used to spell Elliott. Pollard has started just one game over the last two seasons, but he leads the NFL in scrimmage yards (1,427) among players with three or fewer starts since 2021, per NFL Research.
"Averaging a robust 5.1 yards per carry for his career, Pollard offers abilities that fall in line perfectly with what the Cowboys want to do offensively. They'd be fools to let Pollard walk, especially considering he'll still be just 26 years old next season."
Although his touches per game have slightly dropped from 11.2 in 2021 to 10.6 this season, Pollard continues to dazzle when called upon. Pollard's 5.3 yards per rush so far is tied for the second-highest in that category for him during his career, his 5.8 yards per touch rank second, and his 8.8 per reception are a career-best.
Pollard's ability to make one cut and explode for huge plays can change the momentum of a game at any point, and his style of being effective running on the edges blends nicely with Elliott's physical approach between the tackles. However, Pollard would be an RB1 on a lot of other teams, which means if he does hit free agency, the Cowboys will likely get priced out for Pollard.
The Cowboys will certainly have an interesting decision to make regarding the running back position next offseason. Regardless of what the outcome is, Dallas would be unwise not to keep a star on Pollard's helmet.
Feature image via Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
