The Tennessee Titans have made a big splash at the start of free agency, agreeing to terms with former Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, it’s a three-year contract worth $24 million.
The veteran had a disappointing 2023 campaign, finishing as the RB14 despite the fact that he was a top-20 pick in the majority of fantasy drafts. He saw declines in his yards per rush average, which dropped from six the previous season down to four, and his touchdown total fell from 12 (with Ezekiel Elliott) to just six last year.
Now with the Titans, he’ll work under new head coach Brian Callahan in an offense that promises to be pass friendly. That should benefit Pollard, who caught a career-high 55 passes last season. The downside though, is that Pollard’s presence will likely mean some sort of committee with Tyjae Spears will be implemented. It also means Spears won’t be nearly as attractive as a potential breakout back.
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When you consider the contract, I’d expect Pollard to lead this backfield in touches next season with Spears getting his share of work as well. The Titans are a bit void of playmakers, so both players will see their share of opportunities. Coincidentally, Pollard and Spears finished one tenth of a point apart in terms of rushing yards over expectation last season, according to NextGenStats.
While Pollard will be the more desirable of the two runners from a true fantasy draft standpoint, I wouldn’t be surprised if Spears ended up being the better value based on ADP and their final stats. With that said, I’d look for Pollard to be drafted as a No. 2 fantasy runner with Spears going later as a flex or No. 4 fantasy option.
With Pollard no longer on the roster, the Dallas Cowboys will now be on the look for their next starting running back. Who knows, maybe the runner Pollard will replace in Tennessee, Derrick Henry, will replace Pollard in Dallas. Stay tuned, folks.
