The Dallas Cowboys are not expected to reach an agreement on a contract extension with running back Tony Pollard. As it turns out, they were nowhere near close to getting a deal done.
July 17 was an important day for NFL running backs. By 4:00 p.m. ET, Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs had to agree to terms on a contract extension with the New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders, respectively. If not, they would both have to play on the franchise tag for the 2023 season. Barkley and Jacobs were the most prominent names of tagged players who needed to reach an agreement on a contract extension. One name that flew under the radar is Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard.
Would Pollard and the Cowboys reach an agreement at the deadline?
According to NFL Network's Jane Slater, Pollard is expected to play on the $10.1 million franchise tag for the 2023 season, and "there wasn't an extensive discussion about a long term deal."
Cowboys and Tony Pollard were nowhere close to a contract extension
Pollard is the undisputed top running back in Dallas entering the 2023 season. As it turns out, beyond that is an uncertainty.
Last year, Pollarad surpassed the 719 rushing yards total he put up in the 2021 season. Through 16 regular season games played (four starts), Pollard ran for 1,007 yards and nine touchdowns on 193 carries, while catching 39-of-55 targets for 371 yards and three touchdowns. In the playoffs, Pollard ran for 99 yards on 21 carries. But in Dallas' Divisional Round matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, Pollard suffered a broken leg and a high ankle sprain.
Even with the injury, the Cowboys hinted that Pollard will be their starter entering the 2023 season after placing the franchise tag on him, while also releasing Ezekiel Elliott from his contract. Behind Pollard on the depth chart are Malik Davis, Ronald Jones, and sixth-round draft pick Deuce Vaughn.
Entering training camp, Pollard expects to be cleared from his injury. Once that happens, he will look to replicate the success he had last year when backing up Elliott. If he does, attention will once again be on whether or not he or the team can agree to a long-term contract before the 2024 season.
