The Cowboys have placed the franchise tag on running back Tony Pollard ahead of the Tuesday deadline, SI’s Albert Breer reports. Pollard will earn $10.1 million on a one-year deal in 2023.
The Dallas tailback is coming off a career year last season, recording a team-high 1,007 rushing yards, plus 371 receiving yards and 12 total touchdowns.
However, Pollard suffered a fractured left fibula in the Cowboys’ divisional-round playoff loss to the 49ers, an injury that required surgery this offseason. Pollard is in the midst of a three-month rehabilitation and is expected to make a full recovery by the time the season begins in September.
Despite the fact that fellow tailback Ezekiel Elliott will cost over $16 million against the cap this season, Dallas reportedly wants to sign Pollard to a long-term extension. However, the two sides couldn’t agree to a deal before Monday, leading to the franchise tag decision.
