Something that was already assured from the beginning of free agency was the continuity of Tony Pollard in Dallas. At least for this year, of course. Last March, the running back signed the franchise tag with the Cowboys worth $10.1 million. However, both the team and the player could still negotiate a contract extension. And this Monday was the deadline.
As expected, the agreement did not come. This afternoon of July 17th was fulfilled the deadline for franchise tag players to agree to a contract extension with the Cowboys. Although Pollard already had his continuity assured for this year, an extension tied his future beyond this season. Now, the broker and the leadership will have to resume negotiations in March 2024.
Time is up.
Tony Pollard and the #Cowboys are officially locked into the $10.1 million franchise tag for 2023 — no multi-year deal having been agreed to. pic.twitter.com/0hU0GySvHl
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) July 17, 2023
Interestingly, Pollard is one of three running backs to receive the franchise tag this year. However, the Memphis product was the only one to sign it. Meanwhile, Saquon Barkley (Giants) and Josh Jacobs (Raiders) refused to do so, and their situations are unknown for the coming season.
The non-extension of Tony Pollard, at least for this year, is not surprising. Let’s remember that the runner suffered a fibula fracture and a high ankle sprain last January. This occurred during the divisional round game against the 49ers. A loss that, without a doubt, influenced the cowboy defeat.
Despite the seriousness of the injury, the Cowboys decided to bet on him as the team’s new starting running back. This, in turn, caused the team to cut Ezekiel Elliott, who filled that role. However, Pollard aspired to a contract extension. But, due to his injury, he secured at least a good salary for this year.
In fact, that was a good decision on Pollard’s part. Looking at the NFL running back market, going into free agency coming off an injury would have hurt him. His salary this year would have been below the $10.1 million franchise tag. And if other top running backs are having a hard time landing new contracts above that number, Pollard would have been no exception.
Update: There won’t be a long-term deal for #Giants Saquon Barkley, #Raiders Josh Jacobs and #Cowboys Tony Pollard, per @RapSheet
They now need to play on the 1-year Franchise tag in order to play this season.
While Pollard signed his deal, Jacobs and Barkley haven’t and may… pic.twitter.com/3Muu4jb0BK
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) July 17, 2023
Such is the case of the aforementioned Josh Jacobs and Saquon Barkley. Despite performing well in 2022, their teams decided to give them franchise tags instead of extensions. This, most likely, is the product of other movements they made on their rosters. However, both running backs may be willing to sit out this year after not getting the contracts they wanted.
Meanwhile, on the free agent side, we have Dalvin Cook. After being released a few weeks ago by the Vikings, the veteran running back is still without a team. And while he can be a great addition to any run game, Cook’s financial demands complicate everything.
Tony pollard game vs the Bears was a master piece.
In case folks forget Pollards ???? is full pic.twitter.com/5SEzO2nJf8
— (Foots The King) (@FootsDaKing) June 10, 2023
Going back to Tony Pollard, this leaves his future pretty much in his hands. Whether he will receive a big contract in 2024 will depend on his performance in the coming season. Either with Dallas, or with another team.
In all fairness, it would take a huge performance from Pollard for the Cowboys to decide to extend it. Let’s remember that, in the next few months, Dallas will have to face several extensions that will not be cheap at all: those of CeeDee Lamb, Trevon Diggs and Micah Parsons. And this without forgetting that Dak Prescott is also in talks with the team for a new contract.
In conclusion, the franchise tag turned out to be a good solution for Tony Pollard and the Cowboys for the upcoming season. However, the uncertainty for both parties will come in the next free agency. Dallas could be preparing for a future without Pollard. Meanwhile, Pollard will have to prove himself one more time, this time coming off a serious injury.
2023-07-18 02:11:31
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