Tony Pollard Expected To Receive Franchise Tag

Dallas Cowboys impending free-agent running back Tony Pollard is expected to receive the franchise tag from the team this offseason. Pollard had over 1,000 rushing yards and nearly 400 more through the air in his fourth NFL season in 2022, and he was the team's most dynamic weapon on offense, totaling 12 total touchdowns (nine rushing and three receiving). Meanwhile, folks believe that Ezekiel Elliott, who is scheduled to make $16.7 million in 2023, will take a large pay cut to stay with the team as the No. 2 to Pollard. Since he signed a six-year, $90 million deal back in 2019, Elliott's production has fallen off. Dallas could also cut him and pay $11.8 million in dead money. The last two years have proven that Pollard is the better, more explosive back for the Cowboys, so even if Zeke sticks around, Pollard should have the bigger role moving forward.