The Cowboys waver on the future of their running back room.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said they have “big plans” for free agent Tony Pollard. Also, he wants Ezekiel Elliott back, believing a financial compromise is possible, per Jon Machota of The Athletic.
Despite Jones’ claims, Dallas hasn’t made a long-term commitment to Pollard or Elliott.
Rumors that the Cowboys will release Elliott have not stopped.
“They’d save $4.8M by releasing Elliott ($10.9M if they designate him as a post-June 1 cut). It would not be surprising to see them make that move,” writes ESPN’s Dan Graziano.
Dallas plans to re-sign Pollard to the franchise tag (a one-year, $10.1M deal) instead of a multi-year contract via SI.com’s Mike Fisher. It signals the Cowboys want one more year of production before they make Pollard a cornerstone.
Furthermore, the Cowboys met with Bijan Robinson’s agent during the NFL Scouting Combine, per The Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Clarence Hill Jr.
It’s notable because Robinson is arguably the top RB prospect in the 2023 draft class. Last season, the Texas RB won the 2022 Doak Walker award and rushed for 18 TDs in 12 games, tied for fifth in the FBS.
Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy said, “I want to run the damn ball,” while discussing offensive changes in a Wednesday news conference; that could explain why Dallas is looking at other backs. Yet few teams split carries among three RBs.
These developments indicate Dallas may not have complete confidence in their plan, and it will prepare for changes.
