The Dallas Cowboys plan to use the franchise tag on running back Tony Pollard.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported the huge news on Friday evening on his Twitter.
“The Cowboys will franchise tag RB Tony Pollard if the two sides cannot work out a long-term deal by the Tuesday deadline, sources say. Dallas has been clear the tag is an option, and they aren’t in the business of letting great players walk. Pollard will be there in 2023.”
The #Cowboys will franchise tag RB Tony Pollard if the two sides cannot work out a long-term deal by the Tuesday deadline, sources say. Dallas has been clear the tag is an option, and they aren't in the business of letting great players walk. Pollard will be there in 2023.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 4, 2023
According to Spotrac, the non-exclusive franchise tag for running backs in 2023 will total $10,091,000.
The Cowboys obviously spent a huge amount on keeping running back Ezekiel Elliott in Dallas. Despite that, the team is planning on keeping Pollard around with the use of the tag. Which is probably a good idea, considering that when used, Pollard has proven to be a very adept change-of-pace back.
In 62 career games, Tony Pollard has rushed for 2,216 yards and 17 rushing touchdowns.
The NFL world reacted to the big Cowboys news after it broke.
Cowboys reporter Hailey Sutton pointed out his tag will be near the one used on tight end Dalton Schultz last year.
Similar to Dalton Schultz ($10.9M) last season, Tony Pollard’s tag would be $10.1M. https://t.co/Bo3cKVQujK
— Hailey Sutton (@_HaileySutton) March 4, 2023
Blogging the Boys EIC RJ Ochoa said it was “good to see” that Pollard would remain in Dallas.
Good to see. https://t.co/lLroCIt4yg
— RJ Ochoa (@rjochoa) March 4, 2023
The Landry Hat said it was more than a fair price.
$10.09 million is more than a fair price for TP. Cowboys offense averaged nearly 40 points per game when he started this season. https://t.co/d60il0s95h
— The Landry Hat (@LandryHat) March 4, 2023
An opposing fan, however, was somewhat skeptical.
Paying a RB room $30 mil per year is an interesting choice fs https://t.co/rRZppKWBJ2
— Duane (@BatemanWR1) March 4, 2023
