Cowboys Place Franchise Tag on RB Tony Pollard, per Source
The Cowboys have placed the franchise tag on running back Tony Pollard ahead of the Tuesday deadline, SI’s Albert Breer reports. Pollard will earn $10.1 million on a one-year deal in 2023.
The Dallas tailback is coming off a career year last season, recording a team-high 1,007 rushing yards, plus 371 receiving yards and 12 total touchdowns.
However, Pollard suffered a fractured left fibula in the Cowboys’ divisional-round playoff loss to the 49ers, an injury that required surgery this offseason. Pollard is in the midst of a three-month rehabilitation and is expected to make a full recovery by the time the season begins in September.
Despite the fact that fellow tailback Ezekiel Elliott will cost over $16 million against the cap this season, Dallas reportedly wants to sign Pollard to a long-term extension. However, the two sides couldn’t agree to a deal before Monday, leading to the franchise tag decision.