Many wondered if star running back Tony Pollard was destined to leave the Dallas Cowboys after a career year, and now we have our answer, as Dallas is not going to allow him to hit the open market. The Cowboys have placed the franchise tag on Pollard and have informed the running back of their decision, CBS Sports NFL Insider Jonathan Jones confirmed. The running back franchise tag is $10.09 million.
Pollard picked up his first Pro Bowl nod this season after racking up a career-high 1,378 scrimmage yards and 12 total touchdowns. He crossed 1,000 yards rushing for the first time in his career and scored nine touchdowns on the ground.
This week at the NFL Scouting Combine, Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones confirmed Pollard was a candidate for the franchise tag -- along with tight end Dalton Schultz. While Pollard will be in the fold for the Cowboys in 2023, it's now fair to wonder if Schultz is set to walk.
Pollard is in the same boat as Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs, who led the NFL in yards from scrimmage this past season with 2,053. It was reported earlier Friday that Jacobs will also receive the franchise tag if he can't put pen to paper on a new deal by Tuesday's deadline. Saquon Barkley of the New York Giants is the other star running back in this free agency class looking for a new deal, and he could find himself in the same situation as Pollard and Jacobs, depending on what happens with quarterback Daniel Jones -- who is also looking for a new deal.
Along with Pollard and Jacobs, Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne and Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram are the players reportedly set to receive the franchise tag.
