Doomed! Cowboys' Tony Pollard to Sign Second Tag - Or Leave?

Should Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard already expect to sign a second franchise tag after this season?

The Dallas Cowboys and Pro Bowl running Tony Pollard failed to sign a long-term extension on Monday, so he will play 2023 on a franchise tag number of $10 million. Is that a bad thing? And is it a bad thing if it all happens again next offseason?

Pollard’s first 1,000-yard season ended after fracturing his leg in the playoffs. Yet, Dallas has shown confidence in its emerging star by cutting Ezekiel Elliott, not signing a more experienced running back in free agency, and drafting Deuce Vaughn, who’s considered more of a scat back.

If Pollard continues to perform as he did in 2023, there’s no reason why the Cowboys can’t extend him beyond 2024. But this isn't about "can'' or "can't.'' This is about "the devaluation of the running back,'' the hottest issue in NFL circles as training camps open.

On the one hand, signing the 26-year-old Pollard to a longer-term deal could actually make more financial sense than a second consecutive tag, which figures to be around $13 million. That opportunity won't come now until next spring.

Meanwhile, there is speculation that "a second consecutive tag remains the most likely outcome here.” CowboysSI.com can tell you that such speculation is wrong. If it was Dallas' plan to give Pollard two years and $23 million guaranteed? That deal might be done. But we're fairly certain nothing like that was ever discussed here.

Pollard is about to get fed. His 510 rushing attempts through four seasons are less than half the 1,169 carries Elliott had when they extended him, meaning that there should be a lot more tread on Pollard’s tires. Pollard will have the opportunity to prove he deserves a long-term contract this upcoming season. ... but "proving it'' isn't the issue here. Nor is "deserving it.'' This is about cap-related value. And this year might be it in Dallas for Pollard.

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You can follow Isaiah DeAnda Delgado on Twitter and Instagram @IsaiahDDelgado.

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