Dallas Cowboys BREAKING: Tony Pollard Gets Franchise Tag

With the intent of utilizing the franchise as a “tool” rather than as a “hammer,” the Dallas Cowboys have made the call involving the tag of Tony Pollard.

FRISCO - With the mindset of utilizing the franchise as a “tool” rather than as a “hammer,” the Dallas Cowboys have made the call.

Feb. 21 marks the opening of the window for teams to make their decision (through March 7) and for Dallas, there loomed an obvious candidate in running back Tony Pollard.And on Monday, Dallas pulled the trigger, NFL Network first to verify the $10.9 million decision.

For Pollard, the Cowboys insist there are no concerns surrounding his ability to return to full health after he broke his leg in the season-ending playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

But even if that’s so … the move of making high-money, long-term commitments to running backs doesn't have a great track record.

So is giving Pollard the tag - which is set to guarantee him his $10.9 mil - and having him prove he's healthy a logical play? Or an overpay?

This makes more likely the free agency departure of tight end Dalton Schultz, who caught 57 passes for 577 yards and five touchdowns across 15 games. But there are ways to get production at tight end without paying top dollar.

Speaking of ‘top dollar’ - how about Pollard?

Fresh off his first 1,000-yard rushing season and Pro Bowl nod, Pollard's playmaking ability was a critical part of Dallas' offense and could continue to be moving forward as questions surround Ezekiel Elliott's future in the backfield.

According to Spotrac, Pollard's market value warrants a three-year, $27 million deal, or $9 million per year, a slightly cheaper price than the franchise tag but one that would still make him the eighth-highest paid running back in the NFL.

Pollard, who turns 26 in late April, could still be in his prime by the time a potential three-year contract would come to its close, especially considering his lighter workload early in his Cowboys career.

All of that gives Dallas a chance to continue to negotiate with Pollard why guaranteeing he’s a Cowboy in 2023.

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