Cowboys RB Tony Pollard to Test Free Agency, Open To Return?

Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard will reportedly test the open market next week, but he's leaving the door open to a return.

A week out from the start of free agency, Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard appears to have a plan in place.

According to the Dallas Morning News, team officials expect Pollard to field all the offers he can in free agency before making an official decision. 

However, another person with "knowledge of Pollard's thinking" said that the running back is still leaving the door open to a return, and may even be willing to take a pay cut to do so.

Pollard, the recipient of the Cowboys' franchise tag last offseason, had a somewhat disappointing season in 2023, his first as the team's feature back. While he rushed for 1,005 yards and six touchdowns, he posted a career-low four yards per carry, down from 5.2 the year prior. His dip in production is more-understandable when considering it takes time to adjust to an increased workload, and that he suffered a fractured fibula in last year's playoffs, but still, many had higher expectations for him.

Regardless, 1,000 rushing yards in back-to-back seasons is nothing to scoff at, and Pollard will undoubtedly garner some interest as a free agent.

That said, the competition is steep as he is entering a loaded running back class. Other running backs about to hit the market include stars such as Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs and more. With running back being such an expendable position, there may be more supply than demand on the market.

It's also worth noting that many free agent running backs have been linked to the Cowboys in some way, so if they were to sign any of them, it likely closes the door on a reunion with Pollard.

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Next week should provide a good deal of answers when it comes to the Cowboys' running back situation.