Cowboys running back Tony Pollard will enter the 2023 season without a contract extension, a person familiar with the situation told The Dallas Morning News.
Pollard, who set career highs in all-purpose yards, rushing yards, receiving yards and attempts in 2022 will play under the franchise tag for $10.09 million.
The deadline to reach a contract extension with Pollard was 3:00 p.m. on Monday.
Pollard emerged as the Cowboys No. 1 running back last season after Ezekiel Elliott struggled with his health and declining play.
The Cowboys eventually released Elliott, making him a post-June 1 cut, saving nearly $11 million. Elliott counts $5.82 million against the 2023 salary cap and $6.04 million against the 2024 cap.
Keeping Elliott wasn’t possible once Pollard morphed into a dependable running back who could withstand significant carries. Last season, Pollard had 193 rushing attempts – Elliott had 231 carries – which placed him 10th among running backs in 2022.
Some talented running backs around the NFL were hopeful of new contracts.
Pollard was one of three running backs to get placed under the franchise tag, joining New York Giants’ Saquon Barkley and Las Vegas’ Josh Jacobs. Barkley didn’t attend any of the offseason workouts.
Baltimore running back J.K. Dobbins, in the last year of his rookie deal, attended the Ravens mandatory minicamp but didn’t participate, hinting he wants a new contract.
Pollard, while still recovering from offseason surgery to repair a high-ankle sprain, did attend offseason workouts and also signed the franchise tag tender.
Pollard said he would let his agent handle the matter and not worry about his contract.
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