NFL analyst projects Dallas Cowboys lose Tony Pollard to NFC East rival

Tony Pollard finds himself among the Dallas Cowboys’ contingent of players poised to enter free agency this March. Despite his Pro Bowl status, the running back’s performance in his fifth season with the team fell short of heightened expectations.

Transitioning into a more prominent role within the offense at the onset of 2023, Pollard’s productivity took a hit as his snap count increased. His yards per carry dipped from 5.2 to 4.0, and he tallied only six touchdowns compared to 12 in the previous season.

This decline has raised doubts about his ability to serve as a dependable RB1 on a championship-caliber team.

While Pollard may not fit the bill for the Cowboys, who are grappling with salary cap constraints, his value as an offensive asset remains undeniable. Operating within a reduced workload and sharing the backfield rotation with another rusher, Pollard could still flourish as a dual threat.

Spotrac’s projection of his average annual salary in a market-value deal at $6.5 million might prove too steep for Dallas, prompting them to seek a more cost-effective solution, perhaps through the draft or a player on a rookie contract.

Enter the Washington Commanders, an NFC East rival with ample salary cap space and a keen interest in bolstering their roster. ESPN’s Matt Bowen has projected that the Commanders will end up stealing Tony Pollard from the Dallas Cowboys.

With the potential departure of Antonio Gibson, there’s a void to fill in the running back position, making Pollard an enticing prospect. Partnering with Brian Robinson Jr. in a committee setup could reignite Pollard’s Pro Bowl-caliber production.

Nevertheless, a potential move to Washington would inevitably sour Pollard’s relationship with Cowboys fans, lacking the long-term loyalty that Ezekiel Elliott has garnered. Aligning himself with a divisional foe would only serve to exacerbate this divide.