Reports suggest that the Dallas Cowboys will not use the franchise tag on running back Tony Pollard as the March 5 deadline approaches. This calculated move suggests that Pollard will exercise his right to free agency unless a long-term, mutually beneficial arrangement is mediated. As a result, the Cowboys now face a decision regarding Pollard’s future.
The 2023 Cowboys Season
It is essential to place the Cowboys’ 2023 NFL season trajectory in context while examining the reasoning for their decision. Spurred on by defensive end Dak Prescott, offensive mastery under head coach Mike McCarthy, and a strong defence, the Cowboys had a respectable season. It was characterized by resilient and triumphant moments. However, their adventure came to an abrupt end when they lost to the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Wild Card Round, a humiliating setback. That was undoubtedly a difficult pill for a team hoping for championship success to swallow.
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The Cowboys Predict Their Offseason
The environment looks to be full of potential and problems as the Cowboys plan for the offseason. The team is in a crucial position now that its core players are committed to long-term deals. They have to balance the complexities of the salary cap with strengthening their roster.
The imminent loss of important staff is a big concern among the frenzy of offseason planning. The possibility of renegotiating Prescott’s deal and strengthening the offensive line further emphasizes how carefully the team must prepare in order to maintain its competitive advantage.
In light of this uncertainty and strategic realignment, Tony Pollard’s decision becomes even more important. Indeed, Pollard has made indisputable contributions to the field. But the Cowboys’ unwillingness to tie themselves down to the franchise tag’s rigidity highlights their dedication to promoting long-term sustainability and financial flexibility.
We’ll examine why the Dallas Cowboys were correct to decide against franchise-tagging Tony Pollard in this article.
Not a Franchise Tag
Remember that in 2023 Tony Pollard was a member of the Cowboys’ franchise tag team. With an injury he suffered during the 2022 playoffs, he had a difficult season. Pollard would have been eligible to get more than $12 million for the 2024 season if the Cowboys had decided to use the franchise tag on him once more over the offseason.
But don’t expect the Cowboys to do that. Rather, beginning on March 11, Pollard will hold talks with other teams in order to hash out a possible contract structure. On March 13, he will formally become a free agent. It will be interesting to see what kind of interest he generates in the market.
Pollard demonstrated his abilities as a running back with the Cowboys from 2019 to 2022. For three of his four seasons, he averaged over five yards per run, which was an amazing feat. In 2023, he still ran for 1,005 yards, but his yards per carry decreased to just four.
The squad that ends up signing Pollard will surely be hoping for a resurgence of his pre-injury output and pre-2023 form. Pollard might find timing difficult, though. He and several other running backs are entering the market after a disappointing season. It will be interesting to see what kind of deal he gets and which team he signs with.
The Correct Step
The Cowboys’ dedication to financial flexibility is evident in their choice not to franchise tag Tony Pollard. It enables them to strategically distribute resources among the demands of the team. With this strategy, the Cowboys can make strategic decisions in free agency and possibly keep hold of key players.
The Cowboys’ decision also shows how committed they are to developing young talent on the inside. This could encourage the team to have a culture of development and advancement. The Cowboys place a high value on preserving a peaceful environment in the locker room by honouring Pollard’s right to pursue free agency. That’s essential for morale and team cohesiveness. Furthermore, not tagging Pollard is consistent with the Cowboys’ overall roster approach. They can use the draft or free agency to successfully address positional needs and restructure team dynamics. They will have ample room to assemble a strong, competitive team by 2024 thanks to this.
In actuality, Pollard might potentially lose money wherever he ends up. According to reports, ESPN rates him as a free agency running back in the fourth round. He thus projects a $4–$6 million yearly compensation on average.
Recall that there are prominent running backs available, like Josh Jacobs, Austin Ekeler, Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley, and D’Andre Swift. Alongside them are possible acquisitions like Joe Mixon, Aaron Jones, Alvin Kamara, Nick Chubb, and others. This implies that Pollard will have few opportunities.
Considering that, it could be wiser for him to remain in Dallas. In 2023, Pollard had the opportunity to establish himself. But his recuperation from a fractured fibula suffered late in 2022 might have still impeded him. He might get another chance to shine if he signs a short-term contract with the Cowboys for 2024.
Tony Pollard’s choice by the Dallas Cowboys to forego a franchise tag is indicative of a well-rounded strategy. This means being prudent with money, valuing the development of young players, maintaining locker room unity, and carefully selecting the roster. The Cowboys indicate their intention to deliberately bolster their roster by declining the franchise tag. The focus turns to the nuances of Pollard’s contract discussions as he enters the free agency market. We’ll see how he stacks up against the other elite running backs who are about to hit free agency. The Cowboys’ calculated move has echoes as the NFL environment changes as the offseason progresses, demonstrating their unshakable commitment to staying relevant.
