Tony Pollard ‘Tough Decision': Will Cowboys Draft $10 Million RB Replacement?

The Dallas Cowboys brought back running back Tony Pollard back this offseason on a franchise tag. But will an uncertain future entice them to draft his potential replacement?

The franchise tag of Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard is looming large as the NFL Draft approaches. Will it force the Cowboys to spend a premium pick on a running back or opt to get one in the later rounds? 

The Cowboys owe Pollard $10 million due to the tag in 2023, and while that may be higher than some would want to pay for a running back in today's NFL, it is hard to argue against Dallas using it after a season where the ex-Memphis back emerged as the lead guy. 

“It’s going to be a tough decision, as we move forward where’s Tony going to be, Pollard, and how he fits,”  COO Stephen Jones said on Monday. “He’s going to be here this year, and he’s franchised and that shows you what we think of him. 

“We also like to look at keeping him around here for the next three or four years as well.”

Those two quotes are two separate thoughts, in our estimation. Dallas “would like to keep him” … but then there are the mentions of “fit” and “this year” and “tough decision.”

This week's draft will be the first time we see if the now-cut Ezekiel Elliott's time with the Cowboys affects the draft strategy. Here, they are sitting at No. 26 overall on Thursday, and Stephen said they'd certainly be interested if the "right guy" is on the board.

Pollard showcased his ability to do it all for the Cowboys. No longer was he just the guy Dallas would bring in for pass-catching opportunities or cap the number of carries he got per game. Pollard hit a career-high in rushing yards (1,007), touchdowns (9), and carries (193) last season. 

But … The Cowboys know the consequences of signing Pollard to a market-setting contract extension. They exited through the escape hatch in Elliott's 2019 extension this offseason. This is why drafting a rookie would make sense on so many levels for the Cowboys this offseason. Not because Pollard isn’t “worth it,” but rather because history would suggest they don't need an expensive running back to win it all. … and that a draftee, from Bijan Robinson on down can get it done.

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