Cowboys place franchise tag on star running back Tony Pollard
After weeks of speculation, the Dallas Cowboys have decided to place the franchise tag on Pro Bowl running back Tony Pollard.
The 25-year-old will receive the 2023 franchise tender for a running back which is worth $10.09 million. The Cowboys had until Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET to use the designation.
The expectation is that Dallas wants to work out a long-term contract with Pollard. He has shown that he can be a highly effective primary piece to the offensive game plan.
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He is coming off a breakout campaign where he earned his first Pro Bowl selection after posting 1,007 rushing yards. However, his 2023 campaign ended disappointingly after he suffered a high ankle sprain against the San Francisco 49ers that will require.
The Cowboys’ decision to place the franchise tag on Pollard will likely impact Ezekiel Elliott’s future. He is scheduled to make $10.9 million and will count for $16.72 million against the cap for the 2023 season.
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Dallas can save $4.8 million if he’s released as a designated post-June 1 cut. The franchise would save $10.9 million against the cap, but the former Pro Bowl running back will count for around $6 million against the 2024 cap.
Elliott’s play has taken a notable dip over the last few seasons, leading to the discussion around uncertainty regarding his long-term future. He is coming off posting 876 rushing yards on 231 attempts with eight touchdowns.
The 27-year-old is in the third year of his six-year, $90 million contract that runs through the 2026 campaign.
