The Dallas Cowboys will not be letting star running back Tony Pollard test his value on the 2023 NFL free-agent market.
After years of Ezekiel Elliot being the focal point of the Dallas Cowboys run game, four-year veteran Tony Pollard usurped the role with a breakout season in 2022. Last season, the 25-year-old posted career highs in rushes (193), yards (1,007), rushing touchdowns (9), yards per game (69.2) receiving yards (371), and receiving TDs (3).
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Unsurprisingly, after a season that earned him Pro Bowl honors, he was seen as one of the top running backs in NFL free agency. Losing him would have been a killer blow to the Dallas offense next season, but don’t fret Cowboys fans, Tony Pollard will be back in Dallas at least for one more season.
On Friday night, NFL Network league insider Ian Rapoport revealed that the team has every intention of using their franchise tag on Pollard if they can’t agree to terms on a long-term deal before the tag deadline on March 7.
- Tony Pollard stats (2022): 1,007 rushing yards, 12 total TD, 371 receiving yards
The move is a must for the Dallas Cowboys with there being a strong chance that Elliot will be a cap casualty before the start of NFL free agency on March 15. Leaving the fourth-round pick in 2019 as the undisputed top player in the Dallas Cowboys backfield heading into 2023.
The franchise tag for running backs next season is expected to be just over $10 million. Meaning the stud rusher will be making 10 times more than he made last season when he took home just under a million dollars for his 2022 campaign.
During the Dallas Cowboys Divisional Round loss to the San Francisco 49ers, Pollard suffered a broken leg and a high ankle sprain. However, he is expected to be ready for the start of training camp at the end of July.