FRISCO – It is not weird to think that as Tony Pollard heads into free agency that the Dallas Cowboys starting running back might end up with a division rival, like the Washington Commanders, as ESPN is projecting.
What’s weird is that somebody thinks he should be conflicted about such a decision due to “loyalty.”
First to the projection: Pollard was a Pro Bowler a year ago while sharing the load with Ezekiel Elliott. But last season, as he transitioned into being the full-time back, his yards per carry dipped from 5.2 to 4.0, and he totaled only six touchdowns compared to 12 in the previous season.
This wasn’t all Pollard’s “fault,” of course. But he was playing on a $10 million franchise tag salary, and the production didn’t match the expenditure.
What about 2024? The guy is clearly liked by the Cowboys, but it is also clear that they will not engage in a bidding war for him, given the abundance of backs in both the current NFL free agency class and the impending Day 2 and Day 3 of the NFL Draft, which are reportedly crucial to Dallas’ plans, according to CowboysSI.com.
However, Spotrac’s estimate of Pollard’s future average yearly income of $6.5 million would be acceptable to some people. Perhaps even the Commanders?
That’s what ESPN expert Matt Bowen believes will happen, predicting that the Commanders will ultimately steal Pollard off of the Dallas team.
Is there any logic there? In addition to having cap room, the Commanders have Brian Robinson Jr., who appears like an every-down back.
However, ESPN is proposing a committee structure as a means for Washington to extract the most output from Pollard, effectively replicating what Dallas did with Zeke/Pollard in the past.
Should that occur? And Pollard receives his payment? Well done, sir. However, let’s be clear about this: “A potential move to Washington would inevitably sour Pollard’s relationship with Cowboys fans, lacking the long-term loyalty that Ezekiel Elliott has garnered,” reads one website that frames this kind of move as, in a way, a sign of disloyalty. Joining forces with an adversary that fosters division will only deepen this rift.
All of that is fancy word rubbish. “Make the divide worse”? When it comes to retaining Pollard at the Cowboys, the concept of “loyalty” is probably going to be disregarded.
the current price. Why should the athlete be concerned about “souring” his connections with anyone other than his paying employer?
AUTHOR MIKE FISHER
Mike Fisher has covered the NFL since 1983 and the Dallas Cowboys since 1990. He has also worked as a beat reporter, columnist, and radio and television host. Fisher is an Emmy winner. Two best-selling books about the Cowboys are written by him.
