DALLAS — Tony Pollard still uses a scooter, but people say he’s getting around pretty good these days. Once he’s able to put it aside and move to the next phase of his rehabilitation, he may have something else in place.
A franchise tag.
The window to place the franchise tag on a player opens Tuesday. The Cowboys have no intention of using it right away, but are likely to apply the tag before the window closes on March 7 a week ahead of free agency.
Dallas used the tag to keep Dalton Schultz from hitting the free agent market this time last year. The tight end remains a candidate to have it applied again.
But Pollard appears more likely for several reasons.
1. It’s cheaper
The figure to keep Pollard from becoming a free agent is $10.1 million. Since this would be the second consecutive season on the tag for Schultz, the cost for him would be $13.1 million.
2. Their own history
The Cowboys have been reluctant to sign a back to a second, long-term contract given the general decline at this position across the NFL. Ezekiel Elliott was the exception, and his contract factors into this as well.
Elliott’s cap hit of $16.7 million for the 2023 season is currently the highest in the league. His base salary is $10.9 million.
There have been indications from Elliott’s camp that he’s willing to reduce that base salary in order to stay. But how much? And what role will he have going forward?
Elliott’s uncertain future impacts how the club proceeds with Pollard. The club won’t tie themselves down to another long-term contract at the position this close to the diminishing returns they’ve received from Elliott.
But if this is when the Cowboys and Elliott cut ties — the structure of his contract makes that a strong discussion for the first time — it’s imperative that Pollard remain. Otherwise, the running game would be starting from scratch.
A one-year deal on the franchise tag for a back coming off surgery for a high ankle sprain and fractured fibula seems to make the most sense.
3. Need
Pollard provides an explosive element this offense needs.
Pollard had a career-high 1,378 yards from scrimmage (carries/receptions) this past season. His average of 5.94 yards led all backs. Next on the list: San Francisco’s Christian McCaffrey.
Pollard has scored five touchdowns from 40 or more yards since the 2020 season. That ties him with Indianapolis’ Jonathan Taylor and Tennessee’s Derrick Henry for the NFL lead in that span.
Schultz is a very good player. He’s become Dak Prescott’s security blanket in many situations. But he doesn’t possess this sort of game-breaking ability.
4. Depth
Malik Davis flashed some nice moments when he got on the field this past season. But it’s hard to say the Cowboys have a good, young player on the roster who can move into Pollard’s spot if he leaves in free agency.
Tight end is different. Rookies Jake Ferguson and Peyton Hendershot made an immediate impact.
Is Schultz the better player? Sure. But it can be argued that Ferguson was more advanced as a rookie than Schultz and displays every bit the upside that the veteran has shown.
This is also a strong, deep draft at tight end. Dallas can draft a quality tight end to put with Ferguson and Hendershot and come in below the $13.1 million it would take to tag Schultz.
Something else to consider: tight end David Njoku signed a four-year, $54.7 million contract with Cleveland last year with $28 million guaranteed. It would take something in that area to keep Schultz.
Can Dallas afford to do that with extensions on the horizon for CeeDee Lamb, Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs?
This is what the Cowboys will continue to sort through in the coming days and weeks. Contract discussions with both players, and other teammates set to become free agents next month, will help bring all of this into focus.
Pollard turns 26 in April. He hasn’t had the excessive use many backs have at this stage of their careers, which helps. But he’s coming off a surgery that likely means he won’t receive full clearance to return to practice until training camp is underway.
A long-term contract?
Put Pollard at the top of the Cowboys list to receive the franchise tag.
