Cowboys place franchise tag on RB Tony Pollard

Running back Tony Pollard is staying in Dallas.

The Cowboys announced they will place the franchise tag on Pollard ahead of Tuesday’s 4 p. m. ET deadline. The franchise tag value for running backs is $ 10.1 million.

Dallas’ decision to franchise tag Pollard was widely expected after the running back rushed for a career- high 1,007 yards and nine touchdowns in 2022. He also tallied 39 catches, 371 yards and three touchdown grabs. He led all Cowboys running backs in rushing yards, catches and receiving yards. His performance in 2022 earned him his first Pro Bowl invitation.

Pollard’s career- best season ended negatively, though. He broke his left leg and suffered a high ankle sprain during the Cowboys’ playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The Cowboys, however, expect the running back to be healthy in 2023.

The Cowboys drafted Pollard in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL draft out of Memphis. He’s produced 2,616 rushing yards, 17 rushing touchdowns, 121 receptions, 1,008 receiving yards and five touchdown catches in 62 career games.

What does Tony Pollard’s franchise tag mean for Ezekiel Elliott?

Elliott’s production has waned in recent years. He averaged a career- low 3.8 yards a carry last season and failed to reach 100 rushing yards in a single game. Despite a decline in production, Elliott is the third- most expensive running back in the NFL, per Over The Cap. But the 27- year- old running back has no guaranteed money remaining on his deal and only $ 11.8 million in dead money if he’s released.

The Cowboys could ask Elliott if he’s willing to restructure his contract in order to stay in Dallas. Elliott currently has four years remaining on his deal and is slated to make $ 10.9 million in 2023.

Cowboys use franchise tag again

The Cowboys have used their franchise tag for six straight years. Dallas franchise tagged defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence in 2018 and again in 2019 before finalizing a long- term deal. The Cowboys franchise tagged quarterback Dak Prescott in 2020 and 2021 before agreeing on a lucrative contract. Last season, the Cowboys placed their franchise tag on tight end Dalton Schultz.

JEFFREY BECKER/ USA TODAY SPORTS Cowboys running back Tony Pollard has registered at least 100 total yards in each of his last four games, with six total touchdowns.