The Dallas Cowboys plan on having Tony Pollard again subsequent season, a method or one other.
The crew will use the franchise tag on the working again if the 2 sides cannot attain an settlement on a long-term contract, based on NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The deadline to make use of the franchise tag is Tuesday.
Speaking with reporters later Friday, Cowboys proprietor Jerry Jones declined to touch upon the report, but additionally known as Pollard an “integral” a part of the crew.
Without the tag, Pollard would hit free company after the very best season of his profession. The former fourth-rounder posted a career-high 1,007 dashing yards and 9 dashing touchdowns regardless of splitting carries with Ezekiel Elliott, who received many of the goal-line makes an attempt. Pollard additionally had 371 receiving yards and three touchdowns via the air.
Pollard is recovering from a damaged fibula sustained within the Cowboys’ playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers, nevertheless it’s reportedly believed he can be prepared nicely earlier than coaching camp. Using the tag on Pollard would additionally imply not being have the ability to apply it to pending free brokers tight finish Dalton Schultz and security Donovan Wilson.
The Cowboys’ plans at working again are one of many NFL’s greatest tales of the offseason. In addition to conserving Pollard, Dallas have to decide on Elliott, who recorded a career-low 876 dashing yards and averaged a career-worst 3.8 yards per carry. Elliott is poised to hold a $16.7 million wage cap hit within the 2023 season per OverTheCap, however the Cowboys might additionally save $4.9 million in cap house by releasing him.
Cowboys govt vp Stephen Jones additionally hinted earlier this week the crew would not be against utilizing its twenty sixth general choose within the 2023 NFL Draft on a working again. Texas star Bijan Robinson has been a preferred matter of dialogue whereas discussing the Cowboys’ draft plans.
Whoever is working the ball for Dallas subsequent season, and it now seems like Pollard will certainly be a type of folks, they’ll most likely anticipate to see a lift in work relative to final yr. Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy recently voiced his desire to run the ball more after the departure of offensive coordinator Kellen Moore.
Raiders have identical plans for RB Josh Jacobs
Pollard wasn’t the one working again reported to be possible receiving the franchise tag, as final season’s dashing chief appears to be in the identical boat.
The Las Vegas Raiders will even use the franchise tag on working again Josh Jacobs if they cannot attain a long-term deal, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Jacobs led the NFL in dashing yards final season with 1,653, plus 12 touchdowns and 400 receiving yards. Given that former quarterback Derek Carr was second on the crew in dashing yards with 102, the Raiders did not have a lot selection past conserving Jacobs.
